Meet Our Member: Samantha Di Fazio
1. When did you fall in love with pottery?
I always had a fascination for pottery, and wanted to try it. The first time I tried it was in 2018 on exchange in China. It was so much fun. I had no understanding of anything I was doing. In 2021, my husband took me to the Gardiner Museum (ceramics museum in Toronto) and I just was in awe of all the ceramics and told him that one day I wanted to do this and become a potter. In May 2023 I took my first 6 week program and was forever hooked!
2. What have been the benefits of working with clay?
Strangely enough, the benefit of working with clay is that it slows you down and teaches you to be humble. You can't rush pottery, or else the clay will warp, or break, the firings will come out wrong and or the glaze will get ruined. Pottery teaches you to slow down, and enjoy the process.
3. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve made so far? What’s the story behind it?
The first piece I ever made has a crazy story. It was my last week of exchange, my friend brought me to a pottery studio for a class. We started off with pounds of clay, but it ended up making a tiny little shot glass. We told the studio that I was leaving for Canada next week. And I needed my piece to be ready. They then explain to me that it wouldn't be ready for at least 6 weeks, and I was devastated, because I would never be able to keep my very first piece. About a year later, a random man contacted me telling me he had a gift from my friend from China. I ended up meeting up with the gentleman, to discover that the gift was the pottery I had made a year prior. This tiny little shot glass now sits in my living room on the fireplace mantle.
4. Favourite tool?
This random green rib. I use it to compress all my slabs. I bought a mystery rib pack from Ali Express. There is no brand, no label. Just a random rib I never want to loose.
5. Favourite clay?
PSH 519
6. Favourite time of day to come to the studio?
Even though I love talking to everyone in the studio, my favourite time is when I get to be there all alone. I put on a old movie as background noise and just work.
7. Best local food spot?
There are so many good local spots, but if I had to pick one in ford city, it would be Petrellas. I'm just an Italian girl who loves and appreciates a good panino!
8. What do you like to listen to when you work?
I watch TV. Reruns so I don't have to look at the screen. Recent favourites include: Superstore, Brooklyn 99 and Only Murders in the Building
9. What’s your next pottery goal, or the skill you’re most keen to learn?
Goal: Teach a class or 6 week program. Skill: Learn how to use a kiln.
10. Best part of being a member of Ford City Potters Studio
The community. Meeting other like-minded potters and getting to share out passion for ceramics.
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