Can you tell us about your studio. Where did the concept come from and how has it evolved since you started?
I didn’t plan on starting a ceramic studio, I've always had a studio but was just making art in private for a long time. When I was pregnant in 2017, I had the idea that opening up my studio to the public would provide me another venue to generate income...... thus pottery_ro was born. I started with hand building classes, then culture crawl and now it’s everything from toddler drop in to hosting Baby Showers & birthday parties.
What’s an average day in the life?
Wake up, breakfast with my daughter. We live in Coquitlam, so driving into town is a task. Currently I have a tight production schedule so there are certain pieces I have to make everyday. Once the studio production is out of the way its the menial tasks like cleaning, inventory, etc. I wait for rush hour to end and then is home time. I get home for supper, play time, bed time and the routine begins again.
Who or what inspires your ceramic practice?
Mirrors, the sea, rocks, mistakes.
What is your creative process? How do you keep your momentum?
In the beginning I used my practice as a way to relax and ground myself. For me, working with clay has always been therapeutic.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
I’m working on some products to be sent to the UK this Spring. I’m always working on making the ceramics better.
Why did you choose the Clarks Wallacraft to wear today?
I had a pair of Wallabees in art school and have always loved them. It’s nice wearing shoes that are a bit higher off the ground, it helps with posture. It helps me focus upward.
What are you listening to in the studio lately?
Shake 070 has been inspiring me. Frank Ocean has a great radio station called blonded.
You can see Nathalee’s work online at nathaleepaolinelli.website
