BEN LIM: CHASE THE SETTING SUN

North Vancouver artist Ben Lim (1932-2016) began to work with clay seven years ago, after retiring from a successful career in graphic design. Lim quickly embraced his new creative outlet in ceramics and relished the challenges of creating in three dimensions. “I fell in love with clay,” he said. “I was surprised how quickly I was drawn in.”

With his popular animal sculptures, Lim was particularly interested in depicting their ‘personalities.’ His whimsical whales hint at the compelling balance between their great power and calm gentility, the regal grace of the crane is celebrated in his clean sculptures, and recent works showcase the fun-loving playfulness of the penguin. He carried his love for ceramics into printmaking, developing a unique method of printing from carved clay.

Chase the Setting Sun includes his recent ceramic sculptures, clay tablet prints, sketchbooks, and a collection of graphic design work. The exhibition also features an installation of ceramic birds, which were among the last pieces Lim made, and he passed away before they could be completed. They were recently glazed by his family, friends, studio colleagues, collectors, and the public in an artistic collaboration honouring his life and work.

At the request of the Lim family, 100% of sales will support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, BC Women’s Hospital Foundation, and the Seymour Art Gallery.