Clay in the Classical Chinese Garden

Earth, Craft, Architecture & Art.

What can a simple clay roof tile tell us about geology, craftsmanship, Chinese culture, and the art of the classical garden?

Join clay artisan and Garden docent Colin Doerr for an engaging exploration of clay and its remarkable role in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Combining a guided Garden tour, illustrated discussion and hands-on clay workshop, this experience invites participants to discover some of the Garden’s most easily overlooked—and fascinating—architectural and cultural details.

Beginning with clay itself, participants will explore how this extraordinary natural material is formed through geological processes and how humans transformed it into pottery, writing surfaces, building materials, architectural elements and works of art.

We will then explore the Garden to look closely at its clay architecture and features, including traditional roof tiles and distinctive water-drop tiles (dīshuǐ wǎ 滴水瓦). Participants will learn how these elements combine practical functions such as roofing and water management with craftsmanship, pattern, symbolism and aesthetic expression.

The workshop will also trace the Garden’s clay elements back to Suzhou, China, including an introduction to the historic Lumu Kiln (陆慕窑) and the traditions of architectural clay and ceramic production associated with the classical gardens of the Jiangnan and greater southeastern China region.

Finally, participants will get their hands into clay. Working with stoneware and simple forming and impression techniques, each participant will create a clay piece inspired by the Garden’s roof and water-drop tiles. No previous ceramic experience is required.

More than a clay workshop, Clay in the Classical Chinese Garden is an invitation to look at the Garden differently—to follow clay from earth, to craftsperson, to kiln, to architecture, and to discover how a seemingly simple material can connect nature, technology, craftsmanship, culture and art.

About the Facilitator

Colin Doerr is a clay artisan, educator, and volunteer docent at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. His relationship with the Garden dates back to 1986, when, as a university student studying Chinese culture and language, he was among the Garden’s early tour guides during Vancouver’s Expo year.

Colin holds a Diploma in Ceramic Studies from the Kootenay School of the Arts and has maintained a longstanding interest in the intersection of clay, Chinese cultural history, architecture and the classical garden. His current artistic practice explores traditional Chinese architectural clay use and production, particularly water-drop tiles (滴水瓦), and the ways these functional objects communicate cultural meaning through material, form and ornament.

As both a clay artist and Garden docent, Colin brings together hands-on knowledge of clay with an enthusiasm for interpreting the history, craftsmanship and cultural traditions embodied in the Garden.

Workshop includes a guided Garden tour, illustrated discussion, and hands-on clay making activity. No previous ceramics experience required

All clay and materials are provided. Participants may take their unfired creation home or leave it with the facilitator for drying and firing, with finished pieces available for later pick-up.

Photo Disclaimer: By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes. Your attendance constitutes your consent to be photographed and recorded. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of our event team know upon arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. 

📅 Date: November 1
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $75 per participant
📍 Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St.