Classes

I currently teach children’s classes at PEI Potters Studio

They run Saturday mornings 9-11am for 9-14 year olds, 11:30-1:30pm class is for 14+ years. Start dates are in September, January, and April. Classes are 10 weeks long and include ‘unlimited’ reclaimed clay offered through the studio. While clay access is unlimited, student learn about clay recycling and filtering their own works in the the creative process. Both handbuilding and throwing techniques are taught through projects and the students own exploration. Surface decoration through sculpting and painting with underglazes are a frequently used. Dripping glazes are also offered. Students can expect to start taking home work within two weeks!

Pinch pots

principle skill

Pinch pots are a fundamental technique in pottery that offer beginners a hands-on introduction to the craft. By simply using their fingers to pinch and shape clay, students learn the basics of form, texture, and control in a natural, intuitive way. This technique encourages creativity, helps develop tactile sensitivity, and lays a strong foundation for more complex pottery skills. Whether you’re crafting functional vessels or sculptural pieces, pinch pots provide an accessible, engaging starting point for all ages and skill levels in the journey of clay.

Slab building

early skill

Slab building is a versatile pottery technique where flat pieces of clay are joined together to create structures, vessels, and sculptures. This method encourages creative problem-solving and spatial awareness as students learn to roll, cut, and assemble clay into unique forms. Slab building is an excellent way to explore geometric shapes, texture, and surface design, making it ideal for beginners and more advanced potters alike. By mastering slabs, students gain a deeper understanding of how clay behaves and how to construct more complex and functional pieces, all while developing their personal artistic voice.

Throwing

advanced skill

Wheel throwing is a dynamic and rewarding pottery technique that allows students to shape clay on a spinning wheel, developing both precision and creativity. This method introduces a sense of rhythm and control as students learn to center, pull, and shape clay into functional or decorative pieces. Wheel throwing challenges students to refine their technique while offering endless possibilities for form and style, from simple bowls to intricate vases. As a more advanced skill, it fosters a deeper connection with the material, encourages patience, and rewards practice, making it an exciting milestone in a potter’s creative journey.

My history as a pottery instructor:

Kawartha Potters Guild, Peterborough, ON.

September 2013- April 2019

-Developed and delivered single event workshops such as kids birthday parties, family clay, date night, and girl’s night out for the Guild, which encouraged participants to engage with clay as a medium. 

January 2016 – 2019

-Designed and instructed 8-week courses exploring hand-building clay techniques and projects for adults

January 2019

-Hosted a workshop for members on how to create and use silicone stamps/texture mats. 

PEI Pottery Studio, Charlottetown, PEI.

Fall 2019

Started volunteering at PEI Potters studio, joined waitlist to become a member

March 2020

Accepted as a member to PEI Potters Studio but studio shut down due to COVID.

July 2020

Studio reopens to members only, I begin working on pottery again in PEI. Join kiln committee, loading and firing kilns. Also join kiln maintenance and repair committee.

Summer 2021

Spent ~150 hours in 16 weeks teaching myself how to  wheel throwing using a wheel.  This boot camp style approach offed lots of time and clay (~ 100kg) to practice effectively centring clay on the wheel and creating vessels

Fall 2021 – current

Developed and delivered 10-week pottery classes for children aged 8-14. Expanded to two classes Spring 2023 and increased age to 16 to allow space more space for returning students.  Includes hand-building (pinch pots, slab and coil building), wheel throwing, trimming and glaze application for beginner and returning students. Project driven model allows for self-directed exploration and creativity in a supportive environment.  Strong emphasis on good studio practices.

April 2024

Published a 54 page zine about beginner pottery tips, and tricks to enhance and extend my student’s understanding of pottery terminology and processes