Beth Turnbull Morrish
I have been an artist from the time of childhood. An interest in colour and materials made stationary supplies my plaything of choice from the beginning. Elementary and high school education before the time of cutbacks allowed exploration into many media, such as photography, fashion design, ceramics, printmaking and traditional painting and drawing techniques as well as a good background in Art History.
At the age of eighteen I took a year away from school and spent time travelling in Europe visiting the masterpieces of Western art and architecture. Upon return, I attended BealArt as an interdisciplinary student and earned a Technological Studies Certificate in Vocational Art. I also realized a stronger desire to work with my hands and the confidence to pursue my career in art.
The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design was an excellent choice for my interest in craft within a fine art environment, and resulted in a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Ceramics. While in Halifax, I worked as a potter’s assistant for two different potters and gained invaluable experience that complemented the knowledge learned in school.
After graduation I joined the London Potters Guild as a studio member. I was soon offered the position of Artist In Residence and later Studio Technician as well as beginning a teaching career with adults and kids courses.
In 2004 came the purchase of a house with a studio space. The separate studio building is where all of my work is now created and is the home of Turning Bull Pottery. The studio can be visited by appointment, as a part of the London Artists Studio Tour and two weeks before Christmas each year I hold a Studio Open House and Seconds Sale. I also participate in several shows and sales each year, as well as exhibiting work in local shops and galleries.
I teach ceramics too, private lessons in my own studio, at the London Potters Guild, and at Lambton College. Teaching Ceramics and Art History has a significant influence on my work and forces me to constantly learn new ideas and techniques.
