Artist Biography: Kayo O’YOUNG (b. 1950) is recognized as one of Canada’s finest porcelain potters. In the industry, he is known as “a potter’s potter,” the highest acclaim, and he serves as both teacher and inspiration to numerous potters. Kayo O’Young was born in Canton, China in 1950 and immigrated to Canada in 1965. As a teenager, Kayo was introduced to pottery at English Language classes, and his interest in clay grew from there. He described himself as a self-taught artist, yet his work is found in some of the most prestigious museums, galleries and collections across the world. O’Young’s pieces are one-of-a-kind, the style is detailed yet minimalist, quiet yet inviting. O’Young has taught at various schools in Toronto and Montreal, and hosted workshops and seminars at OCAD, Mohawk, and the University of Waterloo. His work has also been featured in the films The Hand of the Spirit (TVO, 1992), and Playing with the Fire (CBC, 1993). O’Young lives in Kleinburg, Ontario, with his ceramic artist wife, Diane Nasr, and children. SELECT COLLECTIONS: The Gardiner Museum; Burlington Art Centre; Winnipeg Art Gallery; Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery; Claridge Collection; External Affairs, Ottawa Commonwealth Conference; The Economic Conference; Massey Foundation Collection of Canadian Crafts; Museum of Civilization; Bronfman Collection. SELECT EXHIBITIONS: The Gardiner Museum; Harbinger Gallery; Koffler Gallery; Harbourfront Craft Studio; Wellington County Museum; Windsor Art Gallery; Bronfman Centre 25th Anniversary Exhibition; Burlington Art Centre; Avante Gallery; Ontario Crafts Council; Canadian Clay & Glass Museum; Petroff Gallery; Thunder Bay Art Gallery
