A Conversation with Norm Wheeler at the TOAE 2006
Located in the orange section of the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. His humble white canopy booth is contrasted with an impressive array of woodfired
pottery display.
Reminiscent of Bizen style of pottery, Norm's focus is form rather than decorative.
As a young student, Norm's free spirit lead him to England where he had worked with large kilns learning all he can about the theories and principles of firing.
Back in Canada, Norm attended a summer workshop in the early 70's
with Don Reitz. During this time Norm found his calling as a full time
potter. Since then Norm has been producing work with spontaneous finish.
Some pieces are thrown thick then carved in an improvised manner similar
to a painter's broad brush strokes. Fired in his train style
wood kiln, Norm's work shows life and movement. He is often asked
if his work is functional - "Absolutely", he responds. His work is regularly
seen as sculptural rather than functional.
Norm plans to rebuild his
kiln so he can produce a much larger pieces.
