Geopia Gallery & Gardens in Earls Cove, British Columbia, is home to the wood-fired ceramics of Pia Sillem and the original works of artist/author/musician George Connell.
About Geopia
Geopia was formed in 2008 from the first names of the gallery’s two artists, Pia Sillem and George Connell. Some have asked why ‘Geopia’ and not ‘Piageo’ which has at least a sharp bite to it; and the answer is simple. Where we live overlooking Agamemnon Channel and across from Nelson Island, is a truly special place. We have always found it to be extraordinarily grounding and a powerful centre in which to create and display our art. So ‘Geopia’ it became, because of the strong and earthy influence of where we live.
Geopia has much to recommend itself; beginning with the 17 cubic foot wood-fired kiln in which Pia and other potters fire their creations, working studios, and a unique tower gallery in which to display and sell the work of both Pia and George. And lest we forget, the very popular hilltop gardens that people have raved about over the fours years of its existence.
Pia and George look forward to greeting you at Geopia Gallery and Gardens. Our hours of operation are erratic as this time, but if you phone ahead and give us time to arrange your visit, we will make sure we’re home and the kettle is on.
Pia Sillem
Pia grew up in the country and spent many hours exploring the outdoors where she came to appreciate the shapes, forms and textures found in nature. Though she always had an interest in working with clay, Pia did not take her first pottery class until high school. Following school, however, pottery was set aside in favor of travel. For the next 15 years, Pia traveled widely observing the use of clay and mud in the everyday life of cultures around the world, from architecture to vessels used to store water and food.
In the early 1990′s, Pia returned to pottery. Within a few years, she established a co-operative studio where the potters work independently but share equipment, materials, enthusiasm and support.
Pia’s pottery is fired in a wood kiln, which creates unique effects that cannot be achieved or duplicated in any other way.
George Connell
George arrived in Montreal in 1954 only to realise that just one percent of his neighbourhood spoke English. Consequently, he learned French in only three fights. Growing up in Montreal-est was study in contrasts and likenesses: like telling jokes about the French at English School, and repeating the same jokes to his Francophone buddies, only with the Anglos as the butts of the jokes.
Instead of joining the RCMP, George enrolled in Dawson College (the “pill factory”) and spent a great deal of time at everything but attending classes.
He fled to Vancouver in 1973 and has been in the Lower Mainland ever since. George now resides on the Sunshine Coast with wife Pia Sillem – a widely respected potter and sculptor, and Bessie and Count Drogo (border collies deluxe).
George has never even taken a sketching class, primarily out of stinginess and eventually out of fear. His primary interest lies in showing the spirit of working people at their jobs-bringing royal portraiture to the masses. He has been described by the Federation of Canadian Artists as ‘one of our members.’