Ailsa Brown

Artist Ailsa Brown is known for combining the beauty of her paintings with the functionality of her pottery.  By using organic forms from her surrounding natural environment, Ailsa is able to capture the spirit of nature, whether her work is on canvas or on clay.  The simple yet strong forms of Ailsa's pottery are decorated on red or white earthenware clay with the use of underglaze stains and slips, and then layered with clear and colored glazes.  Through this process Ailsa is able to create paintings on pottery that closely resemble her two dimensional work on canvas.  Wall plaques, platters, plates, bowls and pitchers are just a few of the forms that provide a surface for her paintings on clay, in addition to her larger works on paper and canvas.

Ailsa embarked on her art studies attending the Chelsa School of Art in London, England. After completing her first year abroad, she returned home to continue as a full time student at Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC where she graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art.  In the years following, Ailsa has attended many workshops and symposiums as well as the International Summer School for the Arts in Metchosin, BC to further explore techniques and craft.  Ailsa has also been teaching wheel thrown pottery for over 15 years at the Richmond Cultural Centre along with classes at the Delta Potter's Studio.  Ailsa works from her home studio in Tsawwassen, British Columbia.