Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Oct 18, 2023
At Exit 115, just off Autoroute 10, on the way to Magog, ceramic lovers will be well served by stopping by Christine Audet’s boutique workshop. Here they’ll discover unique and exclusive much sought-after pieces in stoneware or fired using the Japanese raku method.
By Natalie Sicard
Christine Audet’s impressive track record, the fruit of 45 years of experimentation and research, has led to an extensive and highly successful body of work. Her various collections include more practical pieces such as cups, bowls and containers, as well as more decorative pieces such as large vases and platters. While browsing through the displays, you’ll also discover large-format sculptural works and urns made using the Japanese Raku technique.
The special feature offered by the Raku technique is that ceramic pieces are removed from the kiln in the middle of the firing process and immersed in wood shavings to smoulder them. The result is a slightly blackened or iridescent metallic finish. The method requires a great deal of dexterity and speed of execution. Introduced to this technique in Japan, the artist has made a name for herself by applying it to large formats, but also for her many years of experience. The resulting effects are uniquely beautiful and subtle.
Besides Raku, she also works on stoneware pieces, fired at very high temperatures in a gas-heated kiln. This allows her to “explore other glaze effects and develop shapes and colours that are very different from Raku.” Architecture, archaeology and ethnology—discoveries made during her numerous trips—are a major source of inspiration for her. “The erosion of matter and the timeless beauty of ancient artefacts and architecture stimulate my creativity.” Her pieces can sometimes give the impression of having been unearthed from the distant past during an archaeological dig, yet they still have a very contemporary feel.
After completing her training in Ceramic Arts at the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal and Concordia University, Christine Audet has participated in over a hundred exhibitions in Québec, Ontario, the United States and France. A resident of Magog for 23 years, she chose this location not only for the natural surroundings, but also to establish her own boutique on a major commuter route easily accessible. Every year, she participates in the Circuit des Arts Memphrémagog, for which she sits on the governing board. She’s also part of the governing boards of the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec and the Corporation des métiers d’art de l’Estrie.
To follow her on Facebook and see her creations: Poterie Christine Audet
The Sentiers du Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises: To enjoy a nature walk. Another very pleasant place when I feel like going a little further is Mount Pinacle in Barnstorn. The road to get there is beautiful and the view from the top of the mountain is magnificent!
The boutique Porcelaines Bousquet in Magog: My attachment to the crafts trades is very strong. I truly love this boutique. As well as her own work, Louise also exhibits the work of Marie-Ange Samon and José Drouin, all three good friends of mine and highly experienced ceramists with very different styles.
