My work is inspired by the wondrous colours and forms in our natural world — in the view from my studio window, the formation of snow on ice and trees, the explosions of colour in spring, and the waning of the garden in fall …

It’s a thrill for me to create “one-of-a-kind” teapots, but I also love making larger pieces such as wall mounted installations, bowls, and urns. Each piece is an original design and I make all of my own glazes to achieve the finish to suit each piece. I am also specializing in urns suitable for ashes and I can provide you with a catalogue of these items or will produce something specific if you have a request.

I originally studied pottery with Edwin Longueville, of Green Heron Studio, and carried on in the ‘self-taught’ tradition of experimentation with clay bodies and glazes with the help of many mentors!

I have also taken workshops and courses through Fusion (The Ontario Clay and Glass Association), the Potters Council, NCECA, Haliburton School of the Arts, and the Kawartha Potters Guild. I continue to challenge myself with ongoing study of both form and function. I am a member of Fusion, the Ontario Craft Council, and the Potters Council of the American Ceramic Society, the Northumberland Potters Association, The Colborne Art Gallery, the Kawartha Potters Guild, and the American Craft Council.  I now live in Tara, in South Bruce Peninsula, where my pottery is available in my Studio Showroom.

Working (and playing) with clay has been an exciting exploration — and has taken me on many exciting journeys! (Including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and CHINA!) Teaching pottery has given me not just students, but many, many friends …

The best comment I’ve ever received about one of my teapots is, “You have changed the way I drink tea, the whole process of thinking about making tea has changed since I started to use your beautiful little teapot!” (Karma Chime Wongmo)

It is my hope that each piece I create in clay becomes a work of fine art that encourages touch, that leaves a lingering sense of joy and peace, and helps you be still as you enjoy your interaction with functional art. What a great way to start and finish your day!

May you be well and happy … Susan McDonald