Urchin Series Vessel by Aileen Vantomme at The Avenue Gallery, a contemporary fine art gallery in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Urchin Vessel by Aileen Vantomme Stoneware with black slip in white lava glaze 3 x 7.25 x 7.25 $150

We are delighted to welcome ceramic artist Aileen Vantomme to The Avenue Gallery! Her ‘Keepsake’ series transforms the quiet beauty of found seashells into sculptural stoneware vessels, each a tactile tribute to the shoreline of southern BC.

The countdown is on with two weeks until Kimberly Kiel’s highly anticipated solo exhibition Here & Now opens! Eager for a preview? Click here for an early glimpse or scroll to the end of this newsletter for your next sneak peek.

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INTRODUCING

AILEEN VANTOMME

Univalve in White
Stoneware, lava glaze 10 x 8.25 x 8.25
$600

Aileen Vantomme is a ceramic artist working in stoneware using coil and slab-built methods. Her work leverages traditional clay techniques in small batch runs, highlighting the subtle variations inherent in handmade production. Her textures and forms are enhanced with custom-formulated stains and glazes, and are fired using both oxidation and pit-firing methods.

White Limpet
Stoneware (in matte white) 8.25 x 3.5
$150

Aileen earned an undergraduate degree in science from McGill University and pursued graduate studies in architecture at Boston Architectural Center. Though largely self-taught, her techniques have been augmented with coursework in fine art from various art centres and universities across North America. She currently resides on Vancouver Island, with her husband and young daughters.

Moon Snail in White
Stoneware, lava glaze 9 x 12.5 x 12.5
$900

‘Keepsakes’ are stoneware vessels inspired by the natural beauty of discarded seashells found along the shores of southern British Columbia. Each piece features an irregular edge created from the coil-built process, a reminder of its handmade origin. – Aileen Vantomme

Vanadium Limpet
Stoneware with stain & glaze 8.5 x 3
$150

A heavy application of glaze provides a texture that invites viewers to pause and engage with its tactile detailing. This series serves as a tangible link to the island and the simple, enduring pleasure of beachcombing, offering an alternative keepsake to appreciate nature’s intricate artistry. – Aileen Vantomme

Moon Snail in White
Stoneware, lava glaze 5 x 11 x 11
$450