A Lantzville ceramic artist’s latest creations are inspired by a walk through the forest.
Heather Goldminc has unveiled her new Christmas collection, entitled the Crystal Forest.
She said the idea for the series came to her while admiring the trees on a frosty stroll through Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park outside Port Alberni. Goldminc calls it “one of the nicest walks you can possibly do in any season.”
“The trees were speaking. They were going, ‘Look at how beautiful we are and we are surrounding you and protecting you guys,’” Goldminc said. “I’ve always loved Cathedral Grove and I think to live on Vancouver Island and get to be surrounded in the way that we are by these trees, it’s a blessing.”
Goldminc said there are many different types of depictions of trees in her work this year, including impressions of actual leaves and needles.
“We have created an entire forest,” she said. “And what I’ve done is I’ve taken two really beautiful things that most people will say their favourite part of Christmas is: the lights and the way that they shimmer.”
To evoke the look of sparkling winter frost, Goldminc made use of crystals and gold and chose a colour palette rich in purples, turquoises and blue hues.
Goldminc said having her family surround her in her studio is her “greatest joy,” and this year for the first time she’s joined by a fourth generation.
Along with her mother, who has helped out over the past 35 years, Goldminc’s daughter has been working in the studio while on maternity leave, having given birth earlier this year.
Goldminc said her new grandson is already playing with clay and using a paintbrush.
“He’s growing up the way his mama did,” she said. “In the studio and seeing what we’re doing and seeing the painting and all the creations and surrounded by all the work.”
Goldminc’s Clayworks Studio, 7060 Arbutus Cres., is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Sunday. Open until Dec. 24.
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