Three years ago when Darlene Fillion and her daughter Tracy Fillion were at a show in The Art Gallery Osoyoos, two friends asked them “why don’t you two have a show together?”

The idea never struck either of them before, but prompted the latest show in the gallery, ‘Kindred Hands’ which weaves together Tracy’s work as a textile artist and Darlene’s pottery. The show was supposed to happen last May but — like countless other plans — was pushed to this year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Tracy and Darlene Fillion at the opening of new show on April 29. Neha Chollangi photo.

Although working in different mediums, the mother and daughter duo were thrilled at the opportunity of creating a show together and being able to curate their pieces in a way that complement each other.

With Tracy living in Nelson, B.C., the two didn’t have a chance to see the full extent of each other’s work for the show before actually setting up at the gallery this week. Tracy explained that they both did their own work independently and so the show itself “might be a little bit wacky.”

Yet the curation of the exhibit comes off as quite cohesive, with both the pottery and textiles creating a textured display around the space. The walls show floating handmade linen pieces with earthy colours along with some of Darlene’s more experimental pieces like driftwood she found by the lake which she’s decorated with ceramic pink poppies. The show is peppered with plants and rustic branches throughout the work.

“I’m just really honoured, because [Tracy’s] the one that got me started doing pottery. So it’s just such a special event for me, where we’re doing this together,” said Darlene.

Tracy Fillion’s linen robe dress at the show.

Nearly all of Darlene and Tracy’s work in the exhibit is on sale including the linen clothing handwoven by Tracy. Her work focuses on weaving, eco-printing and plant dye while working primarily with ethically sourced materials. She currently runs an online shop for her work called We Are Stories.

“For this show I’ll exhibit my exploration into this craft through wearable one-of-a kind pieces and some housewares. Using exclusively all natural fibres, I design and create cloth, thread by thread using traditional methods of weaving and plant dyeing,” said Tracy.

The gallery even has a fitting room for this show, put together at the back by Darlene’s husband Paul Fillion.

“[Tracy’s] very organic and very natural so I had to incorporate that with my work as well…that’s why the driftwood and the flowers inspired me to do that,” Darlene said, adding that many of her handmade pieces are made to look organic and natural to match that aesthetic.

Darlene started pottery back in 1992. She credits her daughter for finding a local pottery class at a community centre for both of them, back when they lived in Winnipeg.

“I absolutely loved it, fell in love with the clay,” said Darlene.

While Tracy quit the classes eventually and moved onto something else, Darlene stuck with it and still continues to expand her knowledge and learn after 28 years of practicing the craft.

When Darlene and her husband moved to Osoyoos, she set up her own pottery studio in their basement. Then she eventually joined the pottery studio in town as well.

Her pottery itself involves some function pieces like plates, mugs and plant hangers, but also ‘whimsical’ work. She’s always experimenting with new forms and ideas.

‘Kindred Hands’ is on at The Art Gallery Osoyoos from April 29 to May 22.