Meet Our Members!

Sister, Potters, Sisters!

Meet the duo behind @slowbloomer.ceramics 

When did you first fall in love with pottery?

Erica: We took a 6-week beginner course last Fall and enjoyed it so much that we had to come back for the 8-week intermediate class, and we haven’t stopped since ☺ It’s been so wonderful to find a hobby we both love and helps us prioritize spending time together.  

Olivia: We took a single class a few years back which sparked our interest, but the 6-week beginner course with Gisele sealed the deal for us. Thursday evenings became the best night of the week, and it’s been a really special way to intentionally spend time together!

How has working with clay made a difference in your life?

Erica: Being in the studio has helped me be present. When throwing on the wheel, I have to be consciously aware of what I’m doing, which doesn’t leave much room for thoughts outside of pottery. Working with clay has taught me to live slower – and it’s also reminded me to never stop learning! 

Olivia: Clay has been the vehicle that brought me back to my creativity, which was something I thought I’d lost for some time. The wheel has been a grounding practice that requires my full attention and focus. It has helped me slow down, accept mistakes, and forgive myself for making them! Learning something from scratch as an adult has been liberating and humbling in many wonderful ways. 

Do you have a favourite piece you’ve made so far and what is the story behind it?

Erica: I made a teapot that I’m really proud of! It was thrown off the hump during the intermediate class and it brings me such joy. 

Olivia: I made a cappuccino cup in class that I love and use daily! It was one of the first pieces that I fully envisioned before I threw it, so it was really rewarding to create something that turned out exactly as anticipated- something that isn’t always a guarantee in the pottery world!

Favorite tool?

Erica: The finishing sponge from Mudtools has been incredibly useful, especially during the trimming process when tackling the inevitable imperfections! 

Olivia: Probably the finishing sponge, or a funky wooden texture rib!

Favorite clay?

Erica: Speckled clay, for sure! 

Olivia: Speckled clay, but I do love a good speckle + red or black swirl! 

Best local spot?

Erica: I’m a big café person and it’s impossible to pick just one, so it’s a three-way tie between Anchor Coffee House, Chance Coffee, and Kava! All perfect for fuelling studio sessions. 

Olivia: Anchor Coffee House is near and dear to my heart, but I’m often found at Chance or Kava on my days off! The coffee and pastries are wonderful at both, but the people and community are what truly bring me back each time!

What do you like to listen to when you work?

Erica: I’ve been into the new Foxwarren and Djo albums recently, but I’ll typically listen to some sort of indie folk/alt playlist.  

Olivia: Usually indie/folk, or classical strings! However, my dad’s oldies playlist has been known to make an appearance. 

What is your next pottery goal, or skill you’re most keen to learn?

Erica: I’m working towards throwing consistently and with more intention right now, but I’d like to experiment more with throwing off the hump! I’d also like to explore working with underglaze more and build confidence around the glazing process in general. 

Olivia: I’m working towards creating repeatable shapes! I’m finally getting the height that I’d like out of my cylinders, so I’m now hoping to become more consistent with the overall shape of them.

What is the best part of being a member of a pottery studio?

Erica: Definitely the community aspect. It’s been so wonderful getting to know the members, and everyone is so willing to help one another! 

Olivia: The community, for sure! It’s been so lovely to be included in this space full of kind, creative, and friendly individuals. Help and support is offered so freely, which I’m very grateful for!