Big Shoes

The word is out that Bruce Cochrane is retiring after a landmark 30 years at the helm as the Head of Ceramics at Sheridan College. He is having a 30 Years Show at David Kaye Gallery in Toronto. If you look back at my last post to my blog you’ll see a large platter on the wall behind Sheila. It has thick slip trails and finger wipes. This is Bruce 1982. The double walled jar is Bruce 2010. I must confess that Bruce is my favourite potter on the face of the earth. We have more of his work than anyone’s in our collection. Everything from e-ware, to porcelain to stoneware ,majolica, salt, soda, reduction, wood fire is always top drawer. What has always amazed me about Bruce is his humility. He never gets out an I-phone, computer or cards to show you his work. He always has a question about you and your work. He doesn’t need to parade like a cock rooster. The underground network of potters know of his work and his legacy as a top notch maker and educator. Whoever takes over for Bruce at Sheridan has some rather LARGE shoes to fill. I’m having a rather difficult time imaging him not there.