Meet Our Member: Jackie O'Bright Schondorf @rondeau_potter

Jackie in Gisele's iconic home studio/class. So many of us got our start there.

1.When did you fall in love with pottery?

I fell in love with pottery when I began classes with Gisele in her G-pots studio 5 years ago. 

2. What have been the benefits of working with clay?

Working with clay is a super relaxing activity because it forces me to use my body’s muscles to create something beautiful.  I’ve been creating beautiful things, like quilts, knitted blankets and paintings, for most of my life, but they all let my brain into the process.  Pottery lets my brain get really quiet and that is an awesome feeling for me!

3. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve made so far? What’s the story behind it?

I started sculpting faces a couple of years ago and my favourite mug has a half of a face sculpted in it. I love drinking my coffee from this mug and enjoying how my art has developed.  

4. Favourite tool?

I love using the wheel, turning a hunk of clay into something spectacular and strong.  

5. Favourite clay?

Speckled clay is my favourite because of its soft creamy tones. 

6. Favourite time of day to come to the studio?Any time of day is a great time to be in the studio!! I’m not a morning person so you won’t find me there at 6am! 

7.  Best local food spot?

My favourite local spot for a treat is Chance Coffee.  Mocha delicious!!

8. What do you like to listen to when you work?

I love listening to the studio chatter, talking to members and listening to members do their pottery - technical talk and social chat!   We have such a fabulous community of potters here!

9. What’s your next pottery goal, or the skill you’re most keen to learn?

My next pottery goal includes making bigger bowls, platters and cooking vessels.  

RAKU!!!

10. Best part of being a member of Ford City Potters Studio?

The best part of being a member of Ford City Potters is the community of support within our studio.   I feel like I can be myself - share my work when others are interested, listen to others share or collaborate with me, work quietly on my own pieces, and lose myself in the creative process.  

FCP is one of my favourite places to be!