View From The Pines

Artist: Rhonda Uppington

Best In Show
Not Only the Walls Have Ears
3 1/4"x 22"x 15"
Handbuilt earthenware, oxidation

Home is considered by many to be a refuge, a place of safety where our thoughts, words and actions are private and our own. But in our increasingly digital age, with cameras and microphones on our cell phones and tablets and the Internet of Things, are we really out of earshot or view when we are in our own homes?

Security envelopes are manufactured with intricate patterns on the inside to prevent the contents from being viewed by unwanted eyes without being opened. The large online companies would have us believe that they have taken similar measures to protect our privacy, represented here by some of those same security envelope patterns, as well as ones created using the logos and symbols of some of the large online companies, covering the roofs and walls of the homes in this neighbourhood and thereby sheltering the occupants from eavesdroppers and prying eyes.


Swirling Leaves (mirror)
24"x 1
Handbuilt earthenware, oxidation

Untitled (Beaded necklace)
30" long
Press moulded and rolled, glass beads, vintage button, oxidation

Artist Biography

Rhonda trained as a biochemist and worked in the field for 4 years before starting a family. As her girls grew up, family vacations involved week-long courses at the Haliburton School of the Arts where Rhonda explored a variety of mediums. Over time, her practice has focused on ceramics and printmaking and she continues to seek opportunities for professional development. In 2014, she became a Studio Member of the Pine Tree Potters' Guild.