Submitted by: Sydney Luther, Gallery Assistant

Together Zach Dietrich and Wendy Parsons make Parsons Dietrich Pottery, a renowned Saskatchewan ceramic duo based out of Moose Jaw. The married couple have created, displayed and sold their work out of a former United Church in Moose Jaw since 1980. The two artists often work collaboratively on their pieces. Zach throws pottery at a wheel, and Wendy adds details, such as hand-built animal features. In their studio, they have built a gas fired kiln and a cooperative wood fired kiln.

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The couple is known for using Saskatchewan glazes and clay, and, as Zach says, “Nature is a constant inspiration for both of us.” The husband and wife team often work collaboratively, but also create and sell pieces separately. Wendy is known for creating works that are more sculptural, while Zach likes to create more functional pieces. Zach loves the grace and elegance of porcelain, while Wendy enjoys working with sculpture clay in a more spontaneous, loose manner.

Zach Dietrich graduated from the University of Regina and then began taking pottery classes from that campus’ Extension Department, before moving to Moose Jaw with Wendy. He has studied under great Saskatchewan potters such as Mel Bolen, Don Chester, and Jack Sures. Zach has received the SCC’s “Best in Clay” award at Dimensions, and has been active in the art and culture community, including having served on the SCC Board for many years.

Wendy received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Regina and has a Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, UK. On top of her own pottery work, Wendy also worked for the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery as their Education Coordinator from 1996 to 2004. Since then she has written four education guides for travelling exhibitions curated by Heather Smith. Wendy also teaches pottery classes and workshops.

Parsons Dietrich Pottery is one of the most well-known pottery studios in Saskatchewan, and they have been working together as a team for over 40 years. Together they have attended almost every SCC WinterGreen Fine Craft Market, having missed only two years since the sale’s inception! Zach says, “We continue to come to WinterGreen because it has a good reputation. It helps keep us in touch with our Regina customers and gives us a chance to reconnect with our peers.”

Both Wendy and Zach are juried professional members of the SCC. In addition to WinterGreen, you can also find their work at the SCC Fine Craft Boutique; or at their studio and gallery, located at 1200 Lakeview Service Road on the outskirts of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Sources:
Parsons Dietrich
Moose Jaw Times
Yvette Moore
SK NAC

This post appears as part of a series on WinterGreen as we gear up for the 2014 market. Join us for WinterGreen November 14-16 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina! More details here. You can find Zach and Wendy at booth 43.