In a small Calgary studio, creativity takes shape. At Fired Clay Pottery Inc., students of all skill levels gather to mould, shape, and glaze their ceramic pieces under the guidance of pottery instructor Taylor Ritchie.
Ritchie, who has been working with clay since she was 14, shares her expertise with students while encouraging them to embrace the learning process.
“I started back here in May, and I had been a stay-at-home artist for a long time, just selling my work online,” Ritchie said.
Focus on learning
The potter’s classes focus on building confidence in working with clay, starting with the basics of centring and controlling it on the wheel.
Students such as Gabrielle Samis, who moved from Toronto to Calgary, describe pottery as more than just learning a craft, it’s a therapeutic escape.
“It’s probably my favourite thing to decompress after work,” Samis said. “You’re so focused on what you’re making, and there’s nothing else going on.”
Samis, working on a teapot, finds joy not just in the finished product but in the entire process of creating something with her hands.
The process is intricate and rewarding, from weighing and wedging clay to slicing off finished pieces. Beginners start with functional items like mugs and bowls, learning to center their clay on the wheel, pull up walls, and refine their shapes, one of the trickiest steps for newcomers.
“Our goal is to work that clay into the middle of the wheel as it’s moving,” Ritchie explained. “Water helps with malleability, and once you’ve achieved the shape you like, we set it aside to dry.”
Newcomers welcome
Ritchie’s classes welcome newcomers whether they are beginners or experienced artists, and focus on fostering confidence through step-by-step guidance. From the moment students wedge their clay removing air bubbles and preparing it for the wheel to when they are slicing off their final piece, Ritchie provides support and encouragement.
“We just have them hop on the wheel and sort of guide the process,” Ritchie explained. “We touch base with each student, figure out which part of the process they’re not feeling as confident in, and try to nurture that a little bit more so they can get through that rough spot.”
The journey continues with firing and glazing processes that transform raw clay into functional art. Ritchie introduces students to various glazing patterns, highlighting how artistry and technique combine to create unique pieces.
Ritchie enjoys introducing her students to the various glazing techniques. Walls lined with beautifully fired pottery showcase the diversity of styles that emerge when creativity meets careful craftsmanship. All the options allow students to choose which pattern or colour they want to pick for their piece.
The studio is often filled with students who are deeply engaged in their projects. Hands work steadily wedging, centering, pulling, and shaping, as the rhythmic spinning of pottery wheels creates a sense of calm.
Ritchie moves between workstations, helping students overcome challenges or offering tips to refine their technique.
For many, pottery is more than creating a finished product. It’s about mindfulness, patience, and self-expression. In the quiet hum of the studio, hands move steadily over the clay, shaping more than just pottery; they’re shaping creativity and connection.
