January 2025's featured Potter of the Month is Barb Strachan...a member of Arrowsmith Potters Guild since 1997 and a founding member and pottery teacher at the Train Station Pottery Shop. Barb finds inspiration in nature, particularly the ocean, and this is often reflected in her pottery. ​

I have loved pottery for as long as I can remember, but it has only been in the past few years that I ventured into making my own. I was looking for something to assist in improving my work/life balance, and I found that pottery quiets my brain and shifts my thinking towards the process of creating something new. Through this journey, Sisu pottery was born.
Sisu is a Finnish word without a direct English translation, so there is a range of definitions. One of my favourites is from Emilia Lahti, “Sisu begins where perseverance and grit end. It is the ‘second wind’ of mental toughness after the individual has reached their limits of their observed mental or physical capacities”. 
I enjoy making functional pottery, creating pieces that are inspired by nature and that celebrate the uniqueness of each piece.  I strive to make pottery that can stand up to daily life, including being able to put your favourite cup in your pack to drink your coffee in your favourite outdoor locations. 
I recently started making earrings and am enjoying experimenting with different techniques to make pieces that are reflective of the natural beauty around us. 

​There's something very exciting about a freshly rolled out slab of clay.
The possibilities are endless. I want to push the boundaries of whatever ideas spring to mind. I want to be surprised and learn new things.
The creative process of hand-built pottery brings me joy, whether it's functional tableware or decorative wall art. I invite you to savour the results of my 25 years of playful whimsical indulgence.

I was introduced to pottery in my 20’s when I took a class and fell in love with having my hands in the mud creating. I have enjoyed creating through other art mediums through the years, but pottery was always on my mind.
In retirement I am able to enjoy committing time to pottery, and to continually improve my skills and learn new things.
I love to play with different shapes and glaze colours. I make mostly functional pottery using the wheel, which is my passion, or using handbuilding techniques. I enjoy the ability to turn a lump of clay into something unique and beautiful. It's fun to explore making different shapes and using a variety of glaze combinations to get unique and beautiful colours.
There is always so much to learn and explore, that I can’t imagine ever getting tired of this art form.
I hope my pieces bring joy to the owner, through the feel of it in their hand, the colours, or the memories made while using the piece.

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.