FEATURED ARTIST
DIPPER CERAMICS
Dannika Spady is originally from Calgary . She named her pottery company after scenic Dipper Lake near Kimberley , where she lived prior to moving to Sparwood recently with husband , David .
As a young artist , Spady began her journey in ceramics in Cochrane in grade 8 , later going on to assist and teach at the same studio from 2012 and selling at Christmas markets in Cochrane . She completed a history degree but always kept her pottery wheel with her and took a ceramics course where she developed her classic potheads series . These early works have evolved into highly decorative functional vessels featuring delicate floral accents .
In Sparwood , the artist has found a home at Moonlight Flowers , where she offers small pottery classes in hand building and wheel throwing . With her own kiln on-site , she finishes each piece in house and works on her own retail line which is available at the store . Her pieces are also available in Kimberley and online to an international market .
Spady ’ s work focuses on organic forms and whimsical presentations , using plaster molds and a variety of pressing techniques to create realistic floral arrangements . She has developed a line of small mushrooms and vulva mugs , which have become popular gifts and souvenirs . In the summer the artist also manages the Sparwood Friday evening Markets and is currently studying for a second degree in teaching .
As a former city kid , Spady was pleasantly surprised at how easily she fell in love with the mountains and with snowboarding , which she has taken to as a new passion after only a few daytrips as a child . She lives in Sparwood with her husband and their cat , Margo , and Great Dane called Mouse .
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