Walter Ostrom is everywhere. From the pages of the world’s first scholarly journal on fine craft, Journal of Modern Craft, to the studios of NSCAD University’s ceramic students, to pride of place in collector’s homes and gallery’s collections, his influence is enormous. Now, after 38 years at NSCAD University, Ostrom is retiring, but he leaves behind the gift of a ceramic community galvanized by his shared successes. Winner of the Jean A. Chalmers National Craft Award (1995), Saidye Bronfman Award for Outstanding Creativity in Craft (2003), and the Order of Canada (2006), Ostrom has been recognized as the master of maiolica. He rebelled against North America’s entrenched late twentieth century use of stoneware, reintroducing colour, ornament and dynamic surface designs into utilitarian forms. It is a tribute to his skill as a professor that over the course of four decades he was able to inspire legions of students to join this movement, which remains strong today.

Walter Ostrom, C.M.
Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia
Member of the Order of Canada