Artist Info

In 1967, Judi Dyelle graduated with honours and became an Associate of the Ontario College of Art. She was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Medal of Excellence. A Canada Council Grant allowed her to spend a year and a half in Japan traveling and studying with Tatsyzo Shimaoka. Upon her return to Canada, she began teaching pottery in Toronto and has continued in Vancouver, Montreal and Victoria. She has exhibited and given numerous workshops in Canada and the United States. Her work is in many private and public collections thought North America, China, Japan, Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Germany and England.

Most of the work she produces is wheel thrown, using a porcelain clay that she makes herself. It is fired, in a reducing atmosphere, to cone 9-10 (1280-1302 centigrade) in a propane gas kiln. Many of the pieces are pierced, cut or textured before glazing. Her extensive study and love of Oriental ceramics can be seen in the rich red and blue chun glazes that she has developed. She also enjoys using low temperature local clays as the base for several of her metallic glazes.

Since 1984, she and her husband, Robin Hopper, have owned and operated Chosin Pottery Inc. in Victoria, BC, Canada.

The most essential thing about my work is the form. Whether it is handbuilt, wheel thrown or a combination of the two processes, the form is the underlying factor. The finishing process of glaze, slip or firing is an embellishment to it. I have continually studied and researched various ancient cultures and it is from these sources that I draw my inspiration. It is my hope that the work that I produce will have a timeless quality to it.