Browsing through Le Marché’s stunning blog, here and there you will catch a glimpse of some extraordinary ceramics by the shop’s owner Janaki Larsen. The daughter of potter/painter, Patricia Larsen, and painter/stonemason, Ron Crawford, Jananki grew up surrounded by working artists on British Columbia’s Salt Spring Island. After completing her degree at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, she returned to BC, where she opened Le Marché, with her husband, Pascal Roy, and her sister, Klee Larsen.
“I love dirt…” Janaki claims as an opener for her bio, a refreshingly unpretentious explanation of her artistic philosophy and process. Her ceramics do possess a certain informal, organic charm. But even so, they are a far cry from mud. Light and airy, Janaki’s vessels are full of delicate grace and beauty. Their forms are simple, elemental, their proportions personal. Perhaps favoring texture over color, Janaki’s glazes are similarly understated, but also vital. The results are pieces that are both modern and timeless. Serene and lovely, but designed to be used, they are so tactile that you can’t help but touch.
Bowls and vases by Janaki and sunflower sprout salad at Le Marché. Bottom photograph by Luis Valdizon.
Salt and pepper bowls by Janaki at Le Marché’s Thanksgiving table.
A gift set at Le Marché.
Janaki’s rosemary and white bean soup at Le Marché. Photography by Luis Valdizon.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
My favourite is the little pod shaped bud vase – beautiful. Great write up – reminded me that when I ‘grow up’ I still want to be a potter!
very cool ceramics!
stunning, I love it!