A 2019 recipient of the Applied Art + Design Award, Gordon Hutchens is a master ceramist whose work reflects a rare blend of technical mastery and artistic vision. Based on Denman Island, Gordon draws from the natural world—ocean, forest, lichen-covered stone—to create forms and glazes that are both timeless and contemporary. His dedication to the craft spans over four decades, with a career that began at age 14 after a formative trip to Japan, where he was captivated by the reverence for pottery. Since then, he has become one of BC’s most respected ceramic artists, exhibiting internationally and teaching the next generation of makers.
Renowned for the depth and diversity of his glazes, Gordon’s process balances control and spontaneity, tradition and innovation. He formulates his own clay bodies—some sourced from his property—and fires them with nuanced precision. Whether teaching at North Island College or demonstrating at Circle Craft, Gordon shares his passion generously. His studio, open to the public, showcases both museum-quality pieces and functional wares—each infused with artistry that elevates the everyday.