Jen Drysdale
Making pots has been a lifelong preoccupation of mine since high school. Currently I am working out of Carp Ontario and teach at the Almonte Potters Guild and Loam. I show and sell my work at General Fine Craft in Almonte and 260 Fingers here in Ottawa. My current work concentrates on the exploration of wood firing. While making each piece, I try to imagine how a passing flame of melting ash might trace itself on the form. Firing a wood kiln requires an enormous amount of work and I delight in the camaraderie of the team needed to prepare and tend the fire for over 30 straight hours!
I have been very lucky in my pottery education to have studied with iconic Canadian potters including Harlan House, Robert Tetu, Bruce Cochrane, Carol Anne Michaelson, Wayne Cardinelli and Cathi Jefferson. Here in Ottawa I studied with Carolynne Pynn-Trudeau and Chandler Swain. In 2014 I completed a year-long mentorship program with Tony Clennell that cemented my love of wood firing. I am fortunate to have had so many great teachers over the years who have inspired my love of pottery. Sharing my passion for clay and its endless possibilities with students is incredibly gratifying.
Currently I am involved with a vibrant wood-firing community that has given me the opportunity to find my own voice in my pottery. As all potters I continue to evolve as I learn more from my community, my students and the wood-firing process