A multi-faceted wonder, Chris Snedden embodies a restless spirit that keeps driving his ambitions. Chris is also a long-standing member of The London Potters Guild (LPG), who has flourished in numerous positions including as LPG President, studio technician, and teacher. He particularly loves the latter, describing the banter with students as lively. Chris’s fascination with clay art began as a teenager when he studied at H.B. Beal Secondary School. He then furthered his interests at Georgian College, where he fully engaged in a clay and glass program and learnt glaze chemistry, throwing, sculpture industrial processes, and model and plaster making. One of his earlier jobs required him to make kilns. He hadn’t expected to be asked, but once he successfully completed the challenge, he knew greater possibilities lay ahead. Chris joined the LPG in the 1980s when it had newly formed and his teaching and presentation skills were in great demand. Almost a stranger to having free time, Chris teaches at both Lambton College and London Clay Art Centre (LCAC). He admires what he calls “the expressiveness of clay” and says it is a wonder that so many people can work with the same material, the same body of glazes, and yet produce pieces that are so astoundingly different. Chris says, “I love the imagery. Clay art allows for so much latitude of expression and narrative.” His aesthetic consists of landscapes, crows and dragonflies. He admits that clay affords a balance, “it can be moody, and yet at other times, you can create bright and cheerful pieces.”
A keen supporter of the arts, Chris most values the warm and convivial atmosphere at LCAC and says a strong sense of community keeps it thriving. He believes it is important to value everyone’s unique strengths and continue to draw inspiration from them in order to improve. LCAC has allowed Chris to develop his networking and management skills. He admits he has gotten the chance to interact and work with various personalities, many of whom have become very close friends. The intimate bond he shares at LCAC has become an essential part of his identity, one that he considers himself extremely lucky to have. Chris looks forward to the continuing evolution of this London-based gem. He hopes more guest artists from around the world will be welcomed to LCAC’s Artist-in- Residence (AIR) program because he sees great benefit in exposing members and students to a variety of aesthetics. He also hopes more people will enroll in LCAC’s classes and workshops so they can have a chance to unlock their true potential.
“LCAC is a fantastic resource,” says Chris. “The educational landscape has changed so much over the years. There are incredible learning opportunities present here!” A treasured part of the LCAC family, Chris continues to share his expertise and build the organization’s brand with pride. It is a role he tremendously values and couldn’t picture having any other way.
