A Potter's Collection

A unique perspective on the life of Gari Whelon this collection of some 90 pots represents a life of travel and friendship. Gary worked closely with the Nanaimo Tozan Society and was an intrinsic part of the building and maintenance of this spectacular kiln. Many of the works shown in this collection are fired in the Tozan or in other woodfire kilns. it is easy to see his aesthetic preferences in the pots he collected and the influences he admired.

His personal collection of work includes pottery from Wayne Gnan, Robin Hopper, Gordon Hutchens, Bonita Cohn, Robert Baren, Celia Rice-Johns, Walter Dexter, Allgis Bubnys, Lynn Johnson, Jeff Oestreich, Ruth Porter, Cathi Jefferson, Hank Murrow, Ruthanne Tudball, Lari Robson, Thomas Mihalic, Vick Duffeus, Rachelle Chimnery, Megan Burgese, Jack Troy, Jaime Willims, Ian Natrass, Darrel Hancock, John Deweese, Linda Christianson, Less Beardsley, Judith Burke, Marian and more.

if you see an item online that we have not identified and you know who made it please let us know.

Shop in the gallery 11 to 5 Tuesday to Saturday or online at https://www.arundelstudios.com/nanaimoceramicartsgallery-shop

Gari was born in Theodore, Saskatchewan on December 11, 1947 to Roy Basil and Marjorie (Taylor) and died November 17th 2012 in Nanaimo BC. Gari spent his formative years in the north end of Winnipeg, Manitoba

At the University of Manitoba, he pursued his political interests by majoring in Labour Studies which subsequently led to labour policy work for the government of Manitoba. He also worked for several MLA's and MP's in the province. Motivated by a strong love of the West Coast, he applied for and secured a job working as a Workers' Advisor for the BC Ministry of Labour, starting in Prince George in the early 1990's and then moving to Nanaimo. It was during this time that he met and married Bonnie, the love of his life. They have made their home in Nanaimo for the past 18 years.

Gari had many passions, not the least of which was pottery (Proletariat Pots), particularly wood-fired pottery, which led to his involvement in the Tozan Society. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Tozan and spent many hours building the Tozan kiln in its two locations, including its present site at Tamagawa. His love of pottery has taken him to Japan and he has cultivated relationships with potters all over the world. Gari was also was a passionate cook, famous for his marinades and barbequing, single malts and Cuban cigars. Many a grand repast has been served at his table.