Meet Our Member: Meriam Waqas
- Ford City Potters
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
One of FCP's "OGs", Meriam was among the first group that took our very first wheel class in early 2024, who soon became one of our first members.
Instagram: @meriam.notthataesthetic
1. When did you fall in love with pottery?
Watching The Great Pottery Throw Down with my Nano (maternal grandmother). She was bed bound by terminal cancer and I was taking a wheel throwing class as a way to process her diagnosis. Watching the show with her let us share one last adventure together.
2. What have been the benefits of working with clay?
Mindfulness. I have a 2 and 4 year old and I’m trying to get a health tech company off the ground. Life feels calmer after a trip to the studio to touch clay.
3. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve made so far? What’s the story behind it?
I have made a collection of mugs to support charities providing aid to the Palestinian people. A recent UN Independent Commission reported that “Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip”. Canada has supplied military parts and ammunition to Israel and is complicit in this genocide. My mugs won’t bring about world peace, but I’d like to think that even a small act of solidarity can help bring awareness.
4. Favourite tool?
Mudtools blue sponge. Great workhorse and helps me pull even walls.
5. Favourite clay?
A round of applause for Kayla’s reclaim, please.
6. Favourite time of day to come to the studio?
Sunday mornings.
7. Best local food spot?
This is tough, Windsor has great food. I’m currently obsessed with Al-Sabeel and their spicy potatoes and chicken fattoush salad.
8. What do you like to listen to when you work?
Mostly audiobooks. The Libby app and I are very close.
9. What’s your next pottery goal, or the skill you’re most keen to learn?
I’m figuring out coloured slips right now and having an adventure. There is so much to learn about slip and slip recipes. I’m happily down a rabbit hole full of rainbow coloured swirls.
10. Best part of being a member of Ford City Potters Studio?
The people are amazing. The location is fantastic. But what I really love is Gisele and Lisa’s generosity with access to the facility. Getting access to the studio on my own schedule means the absolute most. Use of tech like the door lock app, TeamUp, and Instagram (kiln unloadings!) is peak. Thank you, Gisele and Lisa!
Comments