Rich Claxton
It was minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit when Rich was born in a little Saskatchewan town so the weather in Yukon suits him fine. Rich earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honors) degree at the University of Manitoba. His professor, Robert Archambeau, made pieces of timeless beauty which inspired Rich's will to create. Bob invited him to look deeply at the grace to be found in all kinds of things. Rich has been potting for twenty-eight years. In Kaslo BC where he lived for fifteen years, he taught Tai Chi and began studying Aikido (The Way of Harmony). He worked in clay, making drums, sculpture and dishes.
Rich and his partner Marilyn moved to Whitehorse in December 2004 where he set up a studio. Rich is inspired by the colors and textures of nature and the vast Yukon landscape. Here he is delighted to find a great prairie sky paired with the gift of true mountains. Since childhood he has been fascinated by dragons. Rich's dragon reveals the beauty of natural things; not diamonds and gold, but raspberry leaves and river stones. Rich's work is also influenced by his practice of Aikido. He strives to create with the joyful dynamic peace of this Japanese martial art. Rich makes intimate work which he hopes will become a part of people's everyday life.