In Episode 5 of ART ISLAND Season 2, filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy meets ceramic artist Rochelle Chinnery, who recounts the life-changing moment that drew her into ceramics—a chance encounter with a small, unassuming cup in Japan. Specializing in carved porcelain, Rochelle embraces the natural movement of the medium, transforming its challenges into flowing, dynamic patterns. Her creative practice is not just about ceramics but about achieving a state of flow and mindfulness, which centres her and feeds her soul. Rochelle reflects on the importance of incorporating creativity into daily life, how living on Hornby Island informs her work, and the role of art in enriching our personal and collective spaces.

[About Rochelle Chinnery]
Rochelle Chinnery has had an independent studio practice for over 30 years. After training with potters in Japan for four years, she pursued formal ceramics studies at Sheridan and Emily Carr Universities. She has received early support from the Canada Council and BC Arts Council, with solo exhibitions at Surrey, Richmond, Campbell River, BC Craft Council, and Ian Tan Art Galleries. Her work has been exhibited internationally, held in collections across Australia, Korea, Croatia, Italy, and Japan, and she was awarded the 2007 BC Achievement for Applied Art & Design. Recently, Rochelle has expanded her practice to include textiles, embroidery, and photography. She holds a Master’s in Integrated Studies, where she explored the role of a material arts practice in developing ecological identity and connectedness. 
Instagram:  rochelle.chinnery
Website: www.rachellechinneryporcelain.com

[Art Island: Perspectives from a Creative Community]

Who are the individuals that comprise the vibrant artistic community of Hornby Island? This 10-episode docu-series looks into the personal lives and artistic perspectives of local artists — our community members. Expanding on how they became artists, what inspires their art, challenges they've encountered, and how they persevered, Art Island is a deep dive into why artists feel art is important and how it has the power to affect us all.

[Credits]
A Film By - Zsofin Sheehy
Associate Producer - Emma Walter
Camera & Sound Assistant - Ella McMechan
Sound Mix & Design - Matt Copeland
Title Animation - Grigorii Kniagnitskii
Colour - Bogdan Mykytenko

[Music]
Etienne Forget
Goldfinch
Roniit
Philip Daniel

[Photos courtesy of]
Rochelle Chinnery


ART ISLAND was created on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

Funding for this episode of ART ISLAND is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, and the Province of British Columbia.