How an email sent by accident transformed a Winnipeg artist's life

Bernard Ferguson was perplexed.

The email inhis inboxdescribed life at a working produce farm and a meditation and yoga centre in southern California.

The message, it turned out,wasn't actually meant for him but the accidental email intrigued him.

A few inquiriesand a few weekslater, Ferguson was making his ownpilgrimage to the farm in Antelope Valley, north of Los Angeles.

That was 2005, but the farming and meditation sojournstill resonates today in the Winnipeg artist's work as a potter.

"I think it quieted my mind and gave me a better chance to be an observer and to pay more attention to my workjust have a different perspective," said Ferguson, 48.

Ferguson, with his Wind Horse Pottery brand, is the latest artist to be featured in the Manitoba Creates series, profiling artists in the province.

From his studio in Winnipeg's West End, Ferguson makes what he describes as utilitarian pieces, including bowls and plates, cups and mugs, and teapots. He also makes planters and is currently collaborating with a local shaving products company to produce shaving bowls, mugs and scuttles (containers for shaving lather).

Ferguson uses muted colours and earth tones for many of his pieces, which are also sold at the Pink MoonHandmade Boutique in Winnipeg's Exchange District.

"Mindfulness, meditationI think it allows you to create work that is a little more quiet, a little more minimalist," Ferguson said.

His studio, located at Artlington Studios on Arlington Street, will be open May 25 and 26 for Doors Open Winnipeg.

Manitoba Creates: Bernard Ferguson's mindful art

6 years ago

Duration 3:09

Bernard Ferguson says mindfulness and meditation let him create pottery that is 'a little more quiet, a little more minimalist.'

More from the Manitoba Creates series: