BILL REDDICK
Why the Cake and why now?
The Cake has been waiting in the wings for a couple of years. I introduced it alongside my porcelain at the Peterborough Regional Farmers Market in 2018, while I was still perfecting the formula and method. The Cake received a positive response at the market as I served free samples, and some cakes began to sell.
I first began developing the Cake making as a small business concept about 18 months ago, but then had to put things on hold because all my time and scarce resources were being fully utilized to make and sell porcelain.
When COVID-19 struck, I saw it as an opportunity to further develop the Cake enterprise. I pivoted immediately. My dream is to have a Cake-generated income, such that my ceramic pursuits can be more focused on exploration, and less on trying to make a living....
Bill was deeply affected by Song Dynasty (960-1160 AD) Porcelain of China where he toured in 1998. In 2009 he travelled to Korea as a participating artist in the Cheongju World Craft Biennale.
Bill found inspiration in the classical ceramic tradition of the Song Dynasty and through his contemporary expression of this ancient tradition, he has developed original techniques, a fluency of form, and thus, the creation of beauty. All works are individually handmade by the artist in his studio in Peterborough, Ontario. He is the creator of Canada's official state dinnerware, which resides at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
MEDIA porcelain, cake
RECENT WORK
BACK TO LIST OF ARTISTS
Bill Reddick, a self taught artist, received meaningful ceramics experience while a student at Lakefield College School in the mid 1970’s. After attending Queens University, he established in 1982, a studio in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
Now residing in Peterborough Mad Dog Gallery is thrilled to have Bill as one of our artists.
Why am I not making porcelain?
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it impacted my prospects quite significantly. I had been struggling in my usual fashion to make a living by doing a variety of things related to making pottery; teaching regularly in my studio, doing craft shows and consigning work to galleries at wholesale prices.
All of this came to an abrupt halt in late March. I could have continued making porcelain and accumulated a large inventory of work but given that selling my work is my biggest challenge at the best of times, and with galleries closed and all shows cancelled, that would have served no useful purpose. Teaching was completely halted as well. So, I walked out of my studio and haven't been back at the wheel since.
However, I will be back..
All sizes are approximate