Ebb & Flow – Ceramics and Artwork by Janice Wong

Ebb & Flow

Ceramics and Artwork – JANICE WONG
Nov 10 – Dec 24, 2022
An exhibition across two Vancouver spaces

ITSUMO and our friends at SORT are pleased to announce a solo exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Janice Wong from November through December, taking place simultaneously across both our shop spaces in Vancouver.

After two years of discussion and collaboration, “Ebb & Flow” emerges as Wong’s debut ceramics-focused show. With origins in the mediums of drawing, painting, and photography, her practice expands into the third dimension in this study of process, culminating in a special collection of standalone and functional objects.

Ebb & Flow, meaning a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth, Wong’s ceramic art explores clay and form, time and emotions. Planning an exhibition across two separate shop spaces has been a true labour of love, and yet our collective concept is clear. Throughout the process, the vision of an imaginary river flowing between East and West Vancouver has held strong, symbolising Wong’s initial curiosity in clay forms uncovered at a beach in Iceland, to her now thriving ceramics practice on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

“Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going.”
—Mary Oliver

We invite you to join us at both SORT and ITSUMO for what will be an inimitable exhibition in each environment, whether it’s for the opening events or visiting either space for quiet viewing and contemplation. More details can be found below.

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Save the Date

Opening Night
Thursday, Nov 10, 2022, 7pm – 9pm
ITSUMO concept space | 269 East 6th Ave, Vancouver BC

Join us for the opening night to celebrate and meet the artist from 7pm-9pm. Enjoy refreshments and treats.

We’re excited to host the first of many exhibitions and events in our brand new Concept Space, and hope to see you there!

(No RSVP needed and the artwork will be available for purchase.)

about EXHIBITION

Janice Wong‘s curiosity about ceramics and clay forms began with pieces of sea-worn industrial ceramics found at an urban beach during an artist residency in Reykjavík.

Following a 30-year career in 2-dimensional mediums, the craft of ceramics came at a time when Wong welcomed a fresh set of challenges. Experiencing the loss of a loved one, the process of ceramics, with a focus that enabled worries to recede — centering the clay, coaxing forms into a balanced whole — provided distinct rigour and routine.

Ebb & Flow is ultimately Wong’s exploration and distillation of forms — the potential of a vessel, the optimism of a bowl. The Horizon and Cloud bowls are reminders of a lacquer bowl Wong grew up with, while the Pebble and Pod forms are small vases reminiscent of sea-worn stones — standalone objects that can also be used for single blooms. Each form presented in this collection offers multiple functions, with the potential to cradle, hold, or shelter precious/necessary objects… “Or air. Even that is enough.”

about ARTIST

JANICE MAR WONG is a multi-disciplinary visual artist whose mediums include ceramics, painting, printmaking, drawing and photography.

Janice studied Fine Art at the University of Saskatchewan, and received her BFA with Distinction, Honours Painting, from the Alberta University of the Arts. She is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including Canada Council Project and Travel Grants, Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and BC Provincial Project and Travel Awards.

Her work is exhibited and collected in Canada, Europe, Asia, and the United States. Janice’s family roots trace back through British Columbia history to the mid-1800’s. Born in Saskatchewan, she has resided in Vancouver since 1986.

Website: Janice Wong Studio
Instagram: @janicewongstudio