solangeceramics@gmail.com, Artist at Artists In Schools

Solange Roy

Details:

Visual arts

Grade Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Language: english and french

Regions: Capital Region

Contact:

Phone Email Website

Biography

Solange Roy is a queer, francophone, Indigenous ceramic artist. She obtained her BFA with Honours from the University of Manitoba in 2022 and majored in sculptural ceramics. She won the People's Choice award at the BFA Honours exhibition with her installation titled Table for One which featured several lifelike ceramic dessert sculptures. The centrepiece of this installation, a 3-tiered cake sculpture titled You Want a Piece of Me?, won the provincial prize for the BMO 1st Art! National Competition and was featured in an exhibition at the University of Toronto. Solange was the Fall 2023 artist in residence at Casa Art Center in Lethbridge, Alberta. She conducted a workshop and an artist talk for the community, and her work was exhibited at the end of her residence. Solange has offered workshops at Pineridge Hollow to both adults and children. She has also taught at high schools and at Art City as a guest artist.

Media

Project Samples

Handmade Mug Making

I will take the students through a step-by-step demonstration and explain how to make a ceramic hand-built mug. This project will start with a detailed presentation about the following: my ceramic practice, basic hand-building techniques, the essential ceramic hand-building tools, and an overview of decorative options for the mugs. I will also provide a demonstration of the previously mentioned basic hand-building techniques and a step-by-step demonstration of the mug-making process from start to finish. The students will then get to create their own mug with my assistance throughout the project. After the mugs have been fired once, I will explain and demonstrate how to paint ceramic mugs and elaborate on the various decorative options. The students will then paint their mugs, and once they go through the final firings, the project will be completed. (Ideal for grades 9-12).

Introduction to Ceramic Sculptures

This project will give students a well-rounded introduction to sculptural ceramics. I will start with a detailed presentation about the following: my ceramic practice, basic hand-building and sculptural techniques, the essential ceramic hand-building tools, and an overview of the process of building a ceramic sculpture. I will also demonstrate some of the most common techniques used in sculptural ceramics. Students will be guided through the research process and the planning of their sculpture. Following the approval of their design, students will be guided and supported throughout their creative process. After completing their sculpture and having them fired, I will return to explain and demonstrate how to paint their projects using glazes and elaborate on the various decorative options. The students will then paint their works, and once they go through the final firing the project will be completed. (Ideal for grades 9-12).

Pinch Pot Animal Sculptures

This project will give younger students the opportunity to explore with clay and create fun simple sculptures. The project will start with a small brainstorming session where with the help of the teacher and I the students will decide which animal(s) they would like to create. The students will then research and make some sketches of their ideas for approval by an instructor to verify that their ideas can be successfully created. After approval, the students will be set up with a small amount of clay to start and some very basic tools to help them create their animal. I will be working hands-on with the students to help them create their sculptures. Part two of this project would be to assist with painting. After the sculptures are dried and fired they can be painted with glazes or acrylics, at the teacher’s discretion. (Ideal for grades 1-8).

Testimonials

Ms. Roy was a guest artist last year working with grade 1 & 2 students to create pinch pot clay animals. She was mindful of the students' abilities and attention span. She worked easily with them in French and English to help them with their project. Her interactions were genuine and her desire to see themselves as artists was heartfelt. She's remarkably well-suited for working with students; she tailored the lesson very appropriately for their age level. My students enjoyed their time with her!

—Lindsay Rakowski, French Immersion Grade 1 & 2 at Ecole Laura Secord.

While working with Solange, I have observed her instructing and working with teenagers in a high school setting. Solange clearly explains and demonstrates art lessons to children. The projects she creates are attainable, varied, and engaging. Solange gives students excellent feedback, that is designed to help them learn, and improve their work. Her passion for art shows when she is explaining and demonstrating concepts, and while engaging students in conversation.

—Denise Hein, Collège Louis Riel, grades 9-12.