Veronika Horlik

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Veronika Horlik

Ceramic Artist

Veronika Horlik MA 2005 (McGill), MFA 2011 (NSCAD), is a Montreal artist who shares her time between her studio practice, teaching studio Art Education at McGill University, and ceramics/visual arts at cégep John Abbott college. Her meaningful life experiences includes seasonal work in reforestation in Canadian forests for Brinkman and Associates ltd..

Artist Statement

Veronika Horlik maintains a sculpture practice where ceramics is privileged. While she frequently works within themes of play and experiences from her childhood, much of her work invites us to examine and re-evaluate our relationship with our natural landscapes and environments. This work stems from her continued interest in vast “Burn” landscapes of reforestation, forestry sites where mechanical incursions mingle with the strength and beauty of nature, and an air of devastation mixes with the possibility of magnificent regeneration.

This phenomenon, derived from a forest landscape, reflects the human condition: our moments of defeat and despair are transitory, and at every moment we hold in our hands the capacity for new growth and renewal. Several references intersect in this work: the debris (or slash) of felled trees found on Canadian Reforestation sites; the bright colours used by Forestry and Reforestation operations; the shape of a sliced tree trunk used as a “canvas”; and references to forest road signs and indications.

His work emphasizes the materiality and mass of the ceramic medium, and the juxtaposition of these with bright, vibrant colours. Her ceramic wall works use repetition and accumulation of multiple sculpted pieces to generate wall displays, while always retaining the weighty aspect of ceramics.

///Curriculum Vitae

Born in Montréal, 1972

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • 2023 Anthropocène I, Galerie Yves Louis-Seize, 25 Rue Beausoleil, Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, QC 
  • 2016 CENTAURIDE, Honos Art Contemporary Art Gallery, Rome, Italy
  • 2015 BURN BABY BURN, Centre culturel de Verdun, Verdun, QC
  • 2014 BURN BABY BURN, Salle d’exposition municipale, 27 Place La Salle, Baie-Comeau, Côte-Nord, QC 
  • 2014 COPPICE, Galerie d’Art du Parc, Trois-Rivières, QC
  • 2014 BURN BABY BURN, Salle Aquilon, Sept-Îles, Côte-Nord, QC
  • 2013 BURN BABY BURN, Galerie d’Art d’Outremont, Montréal, QC
  • 2011 BURN, Anna Leonnowens, Halifax, NS
  • 2010 NEW WORK, Port Loggia Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2009 Offrandes, Galerie du Viaduc, Montréal, QC

COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS & SHOWS (selection)

  • 2021  For the Love of Sandra Alfoldy, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2019 London Clay Art Center Ceramics Biennale, Strand Fine Art, London, ON
  • 2018 Virginia McClure Ceramics Biennale, McClre Gallery, Montreal, QC
  • 2017 Oh Ceramics! Esplanade Art Gallery, Medicine Hat, AB
  • 2016 Passato & Presente / Past & Present x RAW, C.R.E.T.A.Rome, Rome Italy
  • 2016 30 x 6 CLAY WORKS, Honos Art, Rome, Italy
  • 2015 RBC Emerging Artist People’s Choice Award exhibit, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
  • 2014 CECI N’EST PAS UNE EXPOSITION DE NOËL, Galerie du Viaduc, Montréal, QC
  • 2013 Boxed-In!, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, St-John’s, NL
  • 2011 Starfish Awards, Port Loggia Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2010 NEW, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2010 Lieux de mémoire, Maison de la Culture Marie-Uguay, Montréal, QC
  • 2010 Peinture Fraiche / Nouvelle Construction, Galerie Art Mûr, Montréal, QC
  • 2009 NEW AND/OR NOT…, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2009 Lieux de mémoire, Biennale du Lin de Portneuf, Deschambault-Grondines, QC
  • 2006 Exposition Finalistes Prix François-Houdé, Salon des Métiers d’Art, Montréal, QC
  • 2006 Alumni exhibit, Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
  • 2005 Exposition Finalistes Prix François-Houdé, Galerie des Métiers d’Art, Montréal, QC
  • 2003 The Art of May Show, Arbor Gallery, Vankleek Hill, ON
  • 2002-2012 Exposition AnnuelleStudio Alexandra, Montréal, QC
  • 2002 Clay Display, Merrickville, ON
  • 2001-2006 1001 Pots, Val David, QC
  • 2001-2004 Gaïa, Montréal, QC
  • 1997 Gallery Luz, Montréal, QC

TEACHING AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2015– to present
– Visual Arts Faculty, Ceramics + Sculpture Instructor, Cégep John Abbott College, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
2022– 2024 
Chair of Visual Arts, Cégep John Abbott College, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
2005– to present
– Art Education Studio Instructor, McGill University, Montréal, QC
2016– 2018
– Drawing I / Drawing II Instructor, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall + Winter )
– Sculpture Instructor, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall )
– Basic Design Instructor, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter )
– Basic Art Media Instructor, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter )
2015
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter+Fall )
2014
– Invited Instructor,  visual arts workshops, Maquatua Eeyou school, Cree Nation of Wemindji, James-Bay, QC (March + June)
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
– Ceramics Instructor, Intro, Intermediate, Advanced throwing , Studio Alexandra, Montréal, QC (Winter + Spring+ Fall)
2013
– Instructor, Art Curriculum & Instruction Elementary, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter)
– Ceramics Instructor, Throwing + Handbuilding, Studio Alexandra, Montréal, QC (Winter + Spring)
2012
– Instructor, Art Curriculum & Instruction Elementary, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
– Ceramics Instructor, Throwing, Handbuilding, Studio Alexandra, Montréal, QC (Winter + Spring + Fall)
2011
– Instructor, Paint/Print, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Fall)
– Teaching Assistant (TA), Modelled Forms, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Winter)
– Teaching Assistant (TA), Throwing, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Winter)
2010
– Teaching Assistant (TA), Introduction to Visual Culture, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Fall)
– Seeds Gallery Advisory Committee member, Halifax, NS (Winter)
– Teaching Assistant (TA), Intro Ceramics Handbuilding, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Winter)
– Teaching Assistant (TA), Ceramics Throwing, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Winter)

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2009
– Research Assistant (RA) with Dr. Sandra Alfoldy, Québec Crafts and Industry, NSCAD University, Halifax, NS (Fall)
– Seeds Gallery Advisory Committee member, Halifax, NS (Fall)
– Instructor, Painting 200 / Painting 300, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter)
– Instructor, Art Curriculum & Instruction for Elementary, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter)
2008
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
– Instructor, Painting 200 / Painting 300, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
– Instructor, Art Curriculum & Instruction for Elementary, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter)
2007
– Instructor, Painting 200 / Painting 300, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
2006
– Instructor, Painting 200 / Painting 300, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
– Ceramics instructor, Handbuilding, Studio Alexandra, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
– Instructor, Art Curriculum & Instruction for Elementary, McGill University, Montréal., QC (Winter)
2005
– Instructor, Basic Art Media, McGill University, Montréal, QC (Fall)
– Ceramics instructor, Handbuilding and Throwing, Studio Alexandra, Montréal, QC (Winter + Fall)
2000– 2004
– Art Specialist, St.-George’s Elementary, Montréal, QC (Full time)
Responsible for the development and implementation of a sequential elementary visual arts program, grade levels 1 through 6.
2002
– Instructor, Professional Seminar, for high school teaching stage, McGill, Montréal, QC (Fall)
1999– 2000
– Art instructor, Visual Arts Center, Youth Program, Westmount, QC
– Art program instructor, Selwyn House School After school program, Westmount, QC
1998– 1999
– Art Media instructor, Oakville Galleries, Oakville, ON
– Art Media instructor, High School substitution, The York School, Toronto, ON
1997– 1998
– Technician for Sculpture studio, McGill University, Montréal, QC
– Technician for Ceramics studio, McGill University, Montréal, QC
– Soapstone Carving instructor (reductive 3-D form), Selwyn House Elementary, Westmount, QC
– Introduction to Animation instructor, Christmas Park Elementary, Beaconsfield, QC
– Soapstone Carving instructor (reductive 3-D form), St-Thomas Elementary, Hudson, QC

EDUCATION

  • 2011  M.F.A.  Ceramics. NSCAD University, Halifax, NS
  • 2005  M.A.  Culture and Values in Education.McGill, Montréal, QC  – Interests: Craft + Education
  • 1998– 1999  Ceramics major.  Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
  • 1998  Bachelor of Art Education.  McGill University, Montréal, QC
  • 1993  Creative Arts D.E.C.  CÉGEP Dawson College, Montréal, QC

WORKSHOPS & GUEST TALKS (given)

  • 2023 Guest Artist Presenter, UAL Central Saint Martins, Ceramics Design department, London, UK
  • 2014 See myself, Show myself : The power of self-portraiture in Elementary, BJEC, Côte-St-Luc, QC
  • 2014  Value, Colour, and Form : Visual Art theory through hands-on projects for High School, BJEC, Côte-St-Luc, QC
  • 2014  Artist Talk, New Glasgow Public Library, NS for the NSCAD New Glasgow Residency program.
  • 2013 Art Au-delàArt Education studio seminar (french), OLCII Distinguished Educator Seminar Series, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2013  Artist Talk, exhibition BURN BABY BURN, Galerie d’Art d’Outremont, Montréal, QC
  • 2013  ART BEYOND Art Education studio seminar, OLCII Distinguished Educator Seminar Series, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2013 ART BEYOND_3D. Art Education studio seminar, OLCII Distinguished Educator Seminar Series, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2012 Guest speaker, Art Education – Elementary, for Dr. Christine Stocek, Concordia University, Montréal, QC
  • 2012 ART BEYOND, Art Ed. studio seminar, OLCII Distinguished Educator Seminar Series, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2011  Review presentation of Overthrown: Clay Without Limits. NSCAD Universitiy Ceramics department, Halifax, NS
  • 2010 Artist Talk for exhibition NEW WORK, Port Loggia Gallery, Halifax, NS
  • 2008 The Convenient Truth: an Art Education Workshop, Center for Educational Leadership, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2007 Guest speaker, Art Curriculum & Instruction – Elementary, for Dr. E. Wood, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2005  Guest speaker, Art Curriculum & Instruction – Elementary, for Dr. E. Wood, McGill, Montréal, QC
  • 2001 APEQ Conference talk: Destination Conservation Program, Art component, Montréal, QC

WRITING (published essay)

  • 2017  Book review: SLOPPY CRAFT, POSTDISCIPLINARITY AND THE CRAFTS,
  • Elaine Cheasly Paterson and Susan Surette (Eds) (2015). International Journal of Education Through Art.
  • 2017  Ceramics and Painting: An Expanded Field of Inquiry, Published Essay in THE CERAMICS READER, Andrew Livingstone and Kevin Petrie (Eds) (2017), Bloomsbury Academic.
  • 2013CERAMICS AND PAINTING: an expanded field of inquiry / Céramique et peinture : un champ de recherche élargi, in Cahiers métiers d’art :: Craft Journal, volume 6, no 1, Hiver/Winter 2013

THESES

LANGUAGES

French and English

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

  • 2017 Research and Creation Grant, Canada Council for the Arts.
  • 2017 SODEC Grant – Société des entreprises culturelles du Québec.
  • 2017 Travel Grant, Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.
  • 2016 John Abbot College INCA Fund Grant, in support of Rome ceramics residency.
  • 2016 John Abbot College Professional Development grant for Faculty.
  • 2015 winner/laureate – RBC Emerging Artist People’s Choice Award, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
  • 2012  SODEC  grant- Société de dévelopement des entreprises culturelles du Québec
  • 2011 Finalist – Visual Arts Starfish Properties Award, Halifax,  NS
  • 2010 MFA bursary NSCAD, Halifax, NS
  • 2010  J. Dukelow Bursary, NSCAD, Halifax, NS
  • 2009  MFA bursary NSCAD, Halifax, NS
  • 2006   Finalist – Prix François-Houdé for excellence in Fine Craft in Montréal
  • 2006  SODEC grant – Société de dévelopement des entreprises culturelles du Québec
  • 2005   Finalist – Prix François-Houdé for excellence in Fine Craft in Montréal
  • 1999  Silent Night Scholarship, Sheridan College School of Craft & Design
  • 1997 & 1998  Dean’s Honor List // Juan Nommik Bursary // E. & M. Wilson Bursary, McGill

WORKSHOPS & RESIDENCIES

  • 2017 MEDALTA, Medicine Hat, AB
  • 2016 Ceramics studio and lecture workshop with Walter Ostrom, Lunenburg School of Arts, Lunenburg, NS
  • 2016 Artist in Rensidency, C.R.E.T.A.Rome, Rome Italy
  • 2015  Artist in Residency, SAGAMIE Contemporary Art Center, Alma, QC
  • 2003 Woodfiring workshop, Centre de céramique Bonsecours, Mtl, QC

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • 2014 Ceramics consultant for the Maquatua Eyou School, Cree Nation of Wemindji, James-Baie, QC
  • member Association des céramistes du Québec
  • 2001– present Managing co-founder of the collective Studio de céramique Alexandra, Montréal, QC
  • 2000– 2003 Coordinator for Centraid Campaign for St-George’s Elementary School, Montréal, QC
  • 1995– 2008 Foreman and Assistant Supervisor, Brinkman & Associates Reforestation Canada.  13 years experience in seasonal work in remote reforestation worksites in northern Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Responsibilities for camps of 40-65 workers, including: Crew responsibility, workload and personnel organization, truck and passenger vehicle driver, First Aid attendant, Health & Safety officer, and payroll clerk

COLLECTIONS

  • Collection of the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
  • Collection Ville de Montréal, Québec
  • Dr. Demitius Malotsis, Montréal, Québec
  • Vicki and Stan Zack, Montréal, Québec
  • Avmor Collection, Montréal, Québec
  • Private collections in Canada and Italy

PRESS & PUBLICATIONS

  • The world of ceramic artist Veronica Horlik is where Katamari meets the forest. RBC Emerging Artist People’s Choice winner on her inspirations and the everyday joys of ceramic art, Leah Collins, CBC Arts, August 18, 2015.
  • Lorsque l’industriel rencontre l’organique, Eric Martin, Journal Le Nord-Côtier, 18 juin, 2014.
  • BURN BABY BURN, Julie Hétu, Espace Sculpture, # 105, Automne 2013
  • Le reboisement comme démarche artistique,Michel Joanny-Furtin, Expresse d’Outremont, 21 février, 2013
  • Vent de Fraîcheur sur la Relève, Émilie Granjon, Galerie Art Mûr. Vie de Arts, No.220, Automne 2010