Usually, I only make functional pottery. However, I have started to make some different pots for our Guild’s November 9th Christmas Sale. These include ceramic Christmas trees, Fairy houses and Gonks. The Fairy houses have a secret compartment when the house is lifted off the plate which can be used to hide messages, store jewelry or even be a garlic holder. Some of them can be used as luminaries with a candle or battery operated light. So I guess these could also be called functional pottery.

I joined Arrowsmith Pottery Guild just over 2 1⁄2. years ago after attending a class instructed by Barb Strachan, a talented instructor from the guild, and have enjoyed the sense of community and sharing here since.
I started my hobby of pottery in Calgary 35 years ago with Bob Reimer, a potter who shared his skill and humour. He is missed. After a 30 year break I am rediscovering the fun and challenge that pottery brings.
I enjoy that my functional pieces are always evolving and continually challenging. The reintroduction to pottery has given me an creative outlet A favourite component of throwing is playing with different techniques of surface texturing and experimenting with glazes.

​I began my pottery journey six years ago, taking classes and workshops at the Nanaimo Ceramics Gallery. Although I’ve dabbled in many forms of artistic expression including painting, knitting,and clothing design,  once I began pottery lessons, I was smitten and had found my path! I love the functional aspect of ceramics as well as the many forms of expression available to a potter. 
My inspiration comes from a love of nature, the changing seasons, and my childhood memories, living and working on our prairie farm in the summer and winters in our small town community… I have a love of cycling and have toured most of Canada on a bicycle. This too, is reflected in my work. I am a big fan of vintage, shabby chic design and find inspiration in fabrics, old-world carpets and quilt patterns. I aim for a light, whimsical touch, with a hint of humour and a lot of joy ….. my journey is continual process of learning and inquisitiveness. 
As a member of the APG, I’ve enjoyed meeting many inspired potters and am constantly learning from so many talented individuals. It’s’ an honour to be a part of this creative, sharing community and I hope to continue this journey for many years to come.
Sincerely,
​Hazel Dean

​My love of pottery began over 50 years ago when I began my collection. It wasn’t until I retired that I found the time to try making something myself. About ten years ago, I enrolled in a class session at Kawartha Potters Guild (Peterborough, Ont.) and I was hooked! I did a couple of wheel-throwing classes, but once I tried hand building, I felt I’d found my niche. Over the years, I’ve participated in many classes and workshops, both in-person and online. I love using texture, and many different glazes to decorate my pieces. When we moved to the Island three years ago, I was delighted to find a home with an indoor studio space, and within a ten-minute drive to Vancouver Island Pottery Supplies. Since then, I’ve become a member of the Arrowsmith Potters Guild where I’m learning new techniques and making new friends who encourage me on my clay journey.

September's featured Potter of the Month is Barb Strachan...a member of Arrowsmith Potters Guild since 1997 and a founding member of the Train Station Pottery Shop. Barb finds inspiration in nature, particularly the ocean, and this is often reflected in her pottery. ​

​My philosophy as an artist is simple:  that anything that you create should be pleasing to the eye as well as being fit for purpose. Form and colour are what make a pot useful and pleasing to the eye. What I want is that when someone picks up one of my pots, that he or she wants to use it, look at it . I’ve used these ideas throughout my career as an artist and most particularly in the years since I started working with clay. I try to achieve this balance in each of my pots.