What is your favorite pottery to make and why?
I think I enjoy making fruit bowls the best – I can let my imagination go and make them any size and shape. I usually alter the rim of the bowl, maybe do a split rim, add texture and carving – complete artistic freedom - all with a glaze in mind that will show that off.
What is the most challenging project, and why?
So far my most challenging projects are tall bottles. For me, any shapes over 12 – 14 inches high must be made with great control over the clay so they don’t sag, twist and buckle down into a heap. Gravity is rarely your friend when you’re going big and tall.
Can people buy your pottery and where?
I currently have a selection of work available in Edmonton at the Royal Alberta Museum gift shop and at TIX on the Square. In Sherwood Park I have work available at Common Ground Community Café. A few Christmas sales are coming up soon, you can check my Facebook page for dates and locations.
Are these pieces microwave and dishwasher safe?
We use a lot of my pieces in our home – always in the microwave and dishwasher – no problems to date. My casseroles can be used in the oven but won’t tolerate any sharp changes in temperature. Food plus the dish plus the oven must all be at room temp and heated up together to prevent dish from cracking.
What was your most interesting sale to you and why?
The most fun sales are the table top bubble Water Fountains. Customers are delighted when humming birds come to bath on the tops. A lot of customers use them indoors
during the winter to help with humidity and keep their house plants happy.
How has making pottery made a difference in your life ?
I’m very grateful for the many opportunities that pottery has provided. I’ve met and made many good friends, I’m now teaching adult beginners through Strathcona County which I really enjoy. I also enjoy retail opportunities in Edmonton and Sherwood Park – My customers are very valuable and I cherish everyone of them. Pottery also balances me, I can go to the studio and stress falls away, it satisfies my creative side and builds self esteem.
Has living in Edmonton had a positive impact on your art form and art business?
I come from a rural setting and I’m finding the older I get the more I refer back to my
childhood growing up on a small farm. Living right in Sherwood Park provides close
proximity to classes, local sales events and retail shops in both Edmonton and Sherwood
Park but my creative side still taps into my rural back ground for ideas and memories.