PHILLIS McCULLOCH

It might seem unlikely that someone with a Bachelor of Music degree would find herself making pottery for a living, but Phillis feels the transition was natural. Composition, dynamic form, texture and the development of motif can be expressed through the clay medium, too! Shortly after graduating from Queen's University, she "found clay" and there was no turning back. She then immersed herself in the three-year ceramics program at Sheridan College's School of Crafts and Design in Oakville, Ontario.

Phillis' pottery is often described as both earthy and elegant. Her best known bodies of work are characterized by the use of graphic ginkgo leaf designs in charcoal and white, or by deep shades of lacquered rosewood and ochre on intricately hand-carved surfaces.

An instructor since 1992, she greatly enjoys teaching pottery techniques to adult classes in her studio at Clay Design.

Goldfish Pottery

When you were a child, did you have a pet goldfish? You might like to know ...

• The breeding of goldfish as ornamental domestic pets began in China during the Tang Dynasty.
• The goldfish was popularized in Europe after being introduced in Portugal.
• In the 1600s, their metallic scales were symbols of good fortune and goldfish were often given as first anniversary gifts from husbands to their wives.
• Goldfish were brought to North America in the mid 19th century.
• The collective noun for goldfish is 'troubling'.

Phillis feels that the fish gracing her pottery have been caight in a chance moment. They are situated where they happened to be swimming when the piece was decortaed. These fish do not require food or fresh water. They will simply swim eternally for you.

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