About Monique

I first trained as a registered nurse and eventually discovered a passion for ceramics. I retired from nursing in 2018 and I now dedicate most of my time to pottery.

Being a self-made potter, I acquired my skills through books and the electronic media, and by taking part in workshops here at home and internationally in Australia, the US, Belgium, Holland, Brazil and China.

The summer of 2004 was my first introduction to Western Raku. I had taken part in a workshop at the Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Center with Peter Thomas in Saint Andrew NB. That was it! I was hooked from then on to this type of ceramics. The complex and yet humble wabi-sabi expressive results this kind of pottery offers is the best way I have of conveying my inner soul.

This style calls for endless experimentation and creativity. And it involves playing with open flames! which continually brings me back to my childhood summers where we built beach fires after swimming in the icy Baie des Chaleurs.

My productions start through a variety of inspirations. The ideas can be from simply admiring someone else’s work; however, my best muse is the beauty of my Maritime Provinces. The long drives taken to reach other parts of the Maritimes from my home in northern New Brunswick NEVER cease to replenish my inspiration and ideas. I find the pristine outlines of the magnificent pines and spruce trees the most compelling of all.

Working with clay is imparting the outcome the shape of my soul.

Education

2020 Raku Workshop with Tim Isaac, Alma, NB (1 day)

2019 Ceramic workshop with lecturer, Lou Smedts, Fujian, Chine. (2 weeks)

2018 Ceramic workshop with award winner, Maya Padrov, Gagetown NB

(1 week)

2018 Wood firing workshop with Erli Santini, Brumadinho, Brazil . (3 days)

2015 Chawan Workshop with John Baymore of the New Hampshire Institute of Art (1 week)

2012 Raku workshop with Steven Branfman, Manchester NH (3 days)

2004 Raku workshop with Peter Thomas, Fredericton NB (1 week)

1992 Tutering at the Glenden Pottery Club, Glenden, Australia (8 weeks)

Exhibitions and Group Participations

2019“Beneath the Surface 2019” group traveling exhibition, Frederiction, Bouctouche, Saint-John NB

2018 “Group Salt Glaze firing”, Veghel, Netherland

2018 “Group Wood Firing”, Brumadinho, Brazil

2017 “Side Show” solo exhibit, Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville NB

2017 “Making Waves”, Minister Island, NB

2017 “Bottle and Boxes Exhibit”, Vichte, Belgium

2015 “Friend 2015”, Centennial Library, Dalhousie NB

2015 “Pencil, Clay & Lens”, Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville NB

2015 “NB Fine Craft Festival”, Saint John NB

2015 “The Thing That Happened”, NB Craft Council’s traveling exhibit in St John, Fredericton, Edmonston NB

2015 “Gallery Act”, Halifax NS

2014 “Art and Craft Exhibit”, Bon Ami Festival, Dalhousie NB

2013 « Exposition Autrement /Art Route » Charlo NB

2012 “Spring Art Exhibit”, St Francis Xavier Church, Charlo NB

2008 “Christmas Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Bathurst NB

2007 “IODE Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Bathurst NB

2006 “Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Dalhousie NB

2006 “Village of Charlo 40th Anniversary Art Exhibit”, Charlo NB

1992 “Craft Exhibit”, Glenden Qld Australia

Residency

Beneath the Surface 2019, (one week) Fundy National Park

Representation

Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville-Bristol, NB

Handworks Gallery, Saint John, NB

Galerie Restigouche, Campbellton, NB

East Wind Boutique, Dalhousie, NB

Atelier Gourmand, Charlo, NB

Teaching engagements and Artists talks

2014-2015 Instructor, YMCA summer afternoon pottery workshop, Charlo NB

2014 Artist Talk, Glenburnie Woman Institute, Charlo NB

2013 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB

2013 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB

2011 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB

2011 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB

2010 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB

2008 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB

2006 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Dalhousie Middle School, Dalhousie NB

2004 Instructor, Pottery Workshop, Charlo Boy Scouts, Charlo NB

2003 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Royaume des Jeunes, Charlo NB

Membership

2020-2021 New Brunswick Craft Foundation

2012-2021 Member Craft NB-Métier d’art NB

2018 Member Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature center

2018 Member Phoenix Cultuur, Veghel, Netherland

2010-2017 Executive Member, Member (2005-2019), Restigouche Arts and Craft Council, Dalhousie, New Brunswick

2014 Board member, New Brunswick Craft Council, Fredericton, NB

2009 Member, Adelaide Potter’s Club, Adelaide, SA, Australia

2005 Member, Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Center

1998 Member, Buderim Craft Cottage Association, Buderim, Qld, Australia

1992 Member, Glenden Pottery Club, Glenden, Qld, Australia

Collections

Works held in private collections in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Israel, Denmark, France, Holland and USA