FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is handbuilding?

In the world of clay there is a distinction between works made with the use of a potter’s wheel and works created without the use of a wheel. Simply put, handbuilding means made without the use of a wheel.

I enjoy the freedom handbuilding affords me when creating with slabs of clay or coiling (rolling snakes of clay and adding them one at a time) and often a combination of both. There’s no wheel spinning, no sounds, no need to center at the wheel; it is just my hands at work.

Handbuilding is a unique branch within the world of ceramics and because everything is created freehand it is also known for its (at times) slightly odd-shaped or asymmetrical pieces. People that like handbuilding are often attracted to it for this very reason.

I don’t intentionally set out to create misshapen works but at the same time I am fascinated by the fact that the drying and the firing of a piece can affect its final shape. Obviously, I wouldn’t sell functional ware that is too askew for daily use, but I like the idea that a piece may cause the person handling it to pause, observe and reflect for a moment.

What is leather hard?

Leather hard is the term used to describe a specific dryness that the clay reaches in preparation for the first firing, also known as the bisque firing. When a piece is leather hard there is still some moisture left in the piece and the surface will feel cool to the touch. The piece is no longer pliable but can be incised and then left to dry completely.

What is bisque firing?

Most ceramics go through two separate firings before a piece is finished. The first firing, also known as the bisque firing, is typically lower in temperature so that the piece has enough porosity to absorb the glaze. The subsequent glaze firing is higher in temperature with the purpose of vitrifying the clay completely.

Why are your pieces not exactly the same?

I don’t intentionally set out to create misshapen works but at the same time I am fascinated by the fact that the drying and the firing of a piece can affect the final shape quite drastically. 

Having created hundreds, if not thousands, of handbuilt pieces throughout the years I am beginning to see them as individuals, as little copies of people. The mass production of everything in our lives has led us to believe that everything we are surrounded by needs to be an exact replica of its fellows. We people are all different, and I celebrate that. And I celebrate that through my work. 

Do you have a physical shop?

Yes, I do. I am located in Duncan, the heart of the Cowichan Valley, on Vancouver Island.

I am in the studio most days so if you are travelling though the area send me a note and I would be happy to meet you me in my shop and show you around my studio. Many of my pieces don’t end up in my online shop so the selection is much more intriguing in real life.

Do you offer custom pieces?

That depends on what you have in mind. I can create certain custom pieces within my style, using the clay bodies and glazes you will recognise throughout my line of work.