Playing with Fire

Ceramics of the Extraordinary

Museum of Anthropology Exhibition W
The exhibition showcases the work of Judy Chartrand, Ying-Yueh Chuang, Gathie Falk, Jeremy Hatch, Ian
Johnston, David Lambert, Glenn Lewis, Alywn O’Brien, Bill Rennie, Debra Sloan and Brendan Tang.
Internationally recognized, each of these local artists is acclaimed for their fearless work in the form of
ceramic sculpture. They are elite talents working in clay, the most accessible of mediums, pushing it to new
limits and examining the complexities of our culture to inspire fresh perspectives and considerations.

The collection of works as a whole is spectacular, tempting viewers to approach closer, only to discover that
nothing is quite as it appears. Individually, the ceramic pieces may appear to be nostalgic, humorous, fragile,
beautiful or unassuming, but closer inspection reveals provocative commentary on issues like social injustice,
racism, identity and censorship. There are many layers of technical prowess and symbolic power to uncover in
these sculptures, superbly demonstrating clay’s infinite artistic possibilities.

In Playing with Fire, the artists defiantly and boldly challenge the notion that all things made of clay are
required to be functional; in their works, clay is released from this constraint and elevated into extraordinary
works of art.

Identity Inquiry

With the complexity of our experiences, how do they connect to our identities?

Task:  After visiting the UBC MoA, collaborate with your partner in focusing on how our experiences
impact our identity. Once you have established a focus, you will collaborate on developing this theme
together.

You will exchange your thoughts and ideas around your chosen theme, and reflect on the
development of your project. Most of your collaborating will be done on Microsoft Teams. 
 
Goal: To create 2 separate works that are representative of your collaborative theme. You will have
the opportunity to creatively express a connection to the concept of identity. 
The Extraordinary

PROJECT:

Visual Arts 10: Create a ceramic piece that conveys your collaborative theme

New Media 10: To write a short story that focuses on your collaborative theme and addresses our big
question. 
FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE:

10-10:30: 
Grieve- Self guided exploration of Playing With Fire Exhibition and complete sketchbook
assignment.
Garcha- Museum exploration

10:30-11:15: 
Grieve- Tour guide 
Garcha- Lunch

11:30-12:15: 
Grieve- Lunch
Garcha- Tour guide

12:15-1:00:  Garcha and Grieve’s classes meet at MOA for inquiry discussion/project

Bus pick up at 1:00 to head back to Salish.

MAP FOR GETTING AROUND UBC AND FINDING FOOD:

We are
Here 1

3
5

1 – Sage Restaurant/Café
2 – Gage Market
3 – Triple O’s, Tim Hortons, Bento Sushi, Harvest Express
4 – Starbucks
5 - Cafeteria
SKETCHBOOK/JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT: Students will choose 1 work from the exhibition and take
a close look at the details of the work. Answer the following questions about work you’ve chosen:

FIRST IMPRESSION:

Who is the Artist and what is the title of the work?

What is the first thing you notice in this work of art and why?

How would you describe it to someone who has never seen it?

What kind of art is this (material), why do you think this artist chose to use this material?
TITLE/THEME:

How does the title of the sculpture give meaning to the work?

Give this piece an alternate title and explain your decision.

All artists have ideas behind each work. What are some ideas the artist might be expressing in this work?