The Lopez Library is pleased to feature the clay art of Rita O’Boyle. Her show, titled “TRANSITIONS” will run from February 23, 2018 to April 6th, 2018. Please join us for an artist reception and talk on February 23rd at 3pm. Rita’s biography in her words:
Rita O’Boyle…. A Journey July 2 1944 – the present
1944 Born, U.K. – middle of five.
1952 Television came into the living room. “INTERLUDES” were viewed between scheduled programs.
1965 Graduated St. Mary’s Fenham. New Castle on Tyne (first clay experience ) exhibit 1
1965 -1967 Taught school, married, moved to Nottingham, gave birth, emigrated to Canada.
1968 -1970 Swift Current Saskatchewan, gave birth again, then to Calgary Alberta, and one more move to Vancouver British Columbia
1973 Vancouver (second clay experience ) exhibit 2
1973 -1981 Wife, mother, home maker, teacher and jock, tennis, skiing, hiking, sailing…
1981 Purchase of the Gallenger Farm on Center Rd. Lopez Island post amazing family biking tour
1982 Emigration to USA and Lopez Island
1983 Moved to Seattle…Lopez Weekenders
1984 -1987 Launched RURAL ARTS…. presenting local artists
1986 -1989 Seattle Community College – Apparel Design graduate
1990 – 1992 Art Institute of Seattle – Apparel Design Instructor
1992 -2000 Launched RTO DESIGN SEATTLE (designing and producing a line of clothing marketed mostly on the West Coast)
2000 My husband died and life as I knew it changed.
2004 Remarried
2006 Rewidowed
2007 RURAL ARTS CLAY Launched Josh Ratza – production potter and teacher.
2014 Knee replacement and a week of learning to Throw Clay with Josh Beginning of my new connection with clay.
2015 RURAL ARTS CLAY COMPANY, launched. A cooperative of clay motivated locals. Kelsey Nelsen hired to provide the needed expertise to operate the studio and to teach classes for all ages and experience.
2015-2018 Since Kelsey’s challenge to make 50 bowls and keep 10, I have been totally connected to this clay experience. Learning to throw, slab build, and sculpt, to discover the place deep in my heart after viewing the 1952 ‘INTERLUDE’ featuring the hands creating a thrown bowl. I was mesmerized then and continue to be so.
I am grateful to the entire community of potters on Lopez without whom this passion might never have been reborn. – Rita O’Boyle