Member Profile- Elleri
Exploring Pottery: A Journey Through Clay in Vancouver
Member Profile- Elleri
Pottery is more than just a craft; it’s a way of bringing beauty and function into daily life. For many artists, working with clay is a rewarding and therapeutic process, offering both creative freedom and practical application. In Vancouver, pottery has gained popularity as more people explore the benefits of working with their hands.
If you’re considering stepping into the world of pottery in Vancouver, here’s an inside look at one artist’s journey through the medium, from classes and workshops to personal growth and creative expression.
Why do you choose clay over other mediums?
Clay feels familiar to me. I often visited the pottery studio in my home town, we did lots of hand building and I threw my fair share of ugly pots in my youth.
As an adult - I knew how much I enjoyed creating physical and functional crafts. Fibre arts, lego and building ikea furniture all fit into my idea of a good time. Clay allows me to create physical objects that incorporate more beauty into my daily life which made it an obvious choice for me.
What Courses & Workshops have you taken, and when?
I first took the beginner course in April of 2024, by the end of it I was comfortable throwing a 2lb cylinder and I registered for the beginner plus course that followed. After my courses I joined the studio as a member and have been looking at more courses for the new year as well.
How were they influential to your practice?
Taking the courses was definitely what solidified my love for the clay as it made it much more attainable. I think that the second course was the most influential. It taught me the most about how to be creative with the medium. I have felt a lot more confident in my ability to throw my ideas into physical forms and what I want my style to be.
I did also really enjoy the social aspect of the classes, it would be a great place to meet new people and it was nice to have everyone learning alongside each other.
What -clay related thing- do you dislike doing the most?
I find trimming relatively unenjoyable. I don’t think that I quite grasp the concept of leather hard which has made my process of completing pieces overly complicated. Though it may also be due to the fact that I have the least practice at trimming as it is uncommon that I keep any of my pieces.
What are some things you’re currently working on that you’re super stoked on?
Since starting to work with clay, this is the first time that my skills and my ideas for projects are aligned. I moved semi-recently and promised myself that I would make or thrift most of the goods for my home. So I can happily say that while practically I should be working on some cups - I am going to shift into making some bases for lamps. It will be really cool to combine my love for fibre crafts and clay together for the final pieces.
What's your favourite snack?
Food favourites always rotate depending on the season for me but a good cup of black tea is my go to treat. Westholme tea has one called Dog which is my all time favourite.
Has clay and/or the process of making affected you personally, or your life?
I’ve always been a creative person but had so much trouble picking one medium and sticking with it. Working with clay has been the first thing that’s just clicked with me, and it has been so rewarding to just simply have a hobby. Having a space that feels special to me and something that I am working towards outside of my career has added so much more joy to my life.
If you could tell yourself something when you first started making, what would you say?
I might have told myself to keep more pieces. Lots of work that I was happy with got recycled as I was afraid that next time I threw I would be able to make a better version of it. Though that is true, I only have three mugs to show for the countless hours I’ve spent in the studio. Though they are nice mugs, I also realize that it really slowed my learning to have not have equal practice of all parts in the process.
What advice do you have for people just getting to know clay?
Nothing revolutionary but - I think mistakes are important. Its important to learn how to fail - both in art and in life. Art just gives you a more controlled experience to make mistakes.
If you're a Member of Community Clay, join Elleri for our QMUNITY Fundraiser Gay for Clay!