25 Years in the Making

In 1995 I made the big decision to switch faculties at the University of Manitoba, from Sciences and my dream of becoming a Paediatrician to start my journey in Fine Arts. I took a Fine Arts evening class during my second year of Sciences as art has always been a large part of my life. I have vivid memories of being a small child sitting at my little table with blue and yellow tempera paint, mixing them to be green. I was able to use the work in that evening class as my portfolio for entrance to Fine Arts.

I had done a wee bit of pottery in the past, a small amount in Grade 5 and then a few more pieces in High School. One of the classes I chose to take after the faculty switch was Ceramics and I fell more in love with the medium. My artistic passion up to that point was focused on painting. My teachers were inspiring and talented. I loved glaze calculations and firing the wood kiln. I found my medium. I went on to complete my undergraduate thesis, then took one more class to maintain studio time.

As life does, after I graduated in 2000 with my BFA Honors and hopes of getting a Masters and setting up a pottery studio and/or teaching, I instead landed a job at MTS and moved in with my partner at the time, becoming not only a partner but a Stepmum. A different than planned, yet wonderful life began. The studio would have to wait. My artistic pursuits changed but never stopped. I continued with a bit of painting, home decorating, crafting and sewing, always making something.

I knew someday I would get back to the clay and the kiln gods would shine on me again.

Fast forward 20 years and I began taking City of Winnipeg pottery classes. The centring of the clay and myself was back. Those evenings in the studio surrounded by friends and other clay lovers had been missed. It was like a welcoming back home. My passion was reignited and I knew I had to set up a space for myself at home to follow that plan made so many years ago.

2024 was the year, I'm married in a great new relationship, we have a wonderful daughter, I've gained another stepson, have a job that I love and mentally ready to set up a studio at home. The timing was right with the capacity I have to appreciate, enjoy and give time to the clay again.

My studio is set up, a Harry Pottery under the stairs. A comforting space with a canvas covered table and potters wheel. When I brought the wheel home, my husband set it up and I burst into tears the first time I sat at it, what joy. I am truly blessed. Some dreams take a while to come true but I never stopped believing.

Some of my pieces get displayed for sale occasionally at Cre8ery and a few items can be found at Lizzy B's. A recent exciting opportunity for folks to own exclusive pieces of my work is in the gift ware section of Chocolatier Constance Popp. I get some commissions from friends and look forward to ramping up production to look at possibly selling at some markets in the future.

Clay brings me so much joy and any time spent in my little studio is simply the best. I love sharing my pieces and knowing they are sparking joy for others.