Main Gallery & Cubes
Sydnie Johnson
Cellular Forest
About the Artwork:
The West Coast forest enthralls me, the smell of rain, the majesty of ancient trees, and the cells that make up their forms. The microscope opens a whole universe to explore by manipulating scale and projecting minute cells into repetitive patterns in ceramic form. I use these patterns to look at themes bridging ecology, environmental justice, and the impact of colonial forestry practices on West Coast forests through a maximalist interpretation.
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About the Artist:
Sydnie is an educator and ceramic artist living on the unceded territory of the T'Sou-ke Nation in Sooke, B.C. She obtained a Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria focusing on ceramics and geography. Sydnie also completed a Certificate of Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey, B.C. There, she discovered the beauty of plant cells under a microscope and began to meld her passion for ceramics with science by carving the cellular structure of plants into clay. She is mindful of the impact of raw glaze. They are a limited resource with ecological and human rights consequences associated with their mining. Thus, Sydnie uses upcycled glaze as a base color for her work. From there, the forms and cellular patterns delve into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the beauty of nature, creating tactile work that evokes a sensation of being unearthed.
Additional Events/Programming:
- Opening Reception: January 6, 2025 from 6 to 8pm
- Artist Demo: Saturday, January 10 and January 21, 2025 from 12 to 3pm|
- Workshop: Saturday, January 17, 2025 from 10am to 2pm
- Artist Talk: Saturday, January 21, 2025 at 3:30pm
Hallway Case 3
Healing Through the Arts Program
About the Artwork / Artist:
Donor funded Expressive Arts program at Victoria Women’s Transition House include the Healing Through the Arts Program in collaboration with Saanich Community Services and Cedar Hill Recreation. An 8-week program with a group of clients from the 50+ program participate in self-reflective work exploring a range of colour and paint techniques and discovering personal strengths.
This program runs with a VWTH counsellor and an artist facilitator. Different artists lead each 8-week block of sessions allowing for a variety of styles and media to be explored.
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Hallway Case 2
Garth Homer Artworks Program
About the Artwork:
ArtWorks is an artist development program for emerging and established artists. Participants engage in a supported studio environment where they can refine their artistic skills, experiment with different mediums, and exhibit their work.
Artists spend each day working on their art, experimenting with different mediums, and refining their techniques in a professional supported studio setting. The atmosphere is relaxed yet focused, allowing participants to work at their own pace while receiving hands-on support from staff who are skilled, practicing artists. These mentors provide guidance, demonstrations, and constructive feedback to help artists push their creative boundaries and bring their visions to life. For 2026, the ArtWorks Program will be showcasing a variety of different art in this display case, in partnership with Saanich Community Services and Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.
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Accessibility: Accessible washrooms, Wheelchair access, Designated handyDART loading zone and disabled parking stalls.
For inquiries related to exhibitions, please contact Shantael Sleight at shantael.sleight@saanich.ca or call 778-584-3756.