Ramona Gregory
I began my post-secondary education in sciences at UBC, then transitioned to studying art at Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver, graduating in 2005 with a BFA. I got hooked on clay during an introductory clay class in 2002 and have been making ceramics ever since. The tactile nature and allure of clay had kept me inspired and constantly working with innovative ideas, fresh forms, glazes and techniques.
After years studying, tree-planting and travelling I returned to the Comox Valley to set up a clay studio on my family property in rural Merville. Here I maintain a dedicated art practice balanced with time in the wilderness with my two children, partner and dog trying to fit in as many adventures as possible between making pots. My time spent in the forests and mountains influences my work and I enjoy incorporating elements from nature into pieces through form, texture and surface decoration. I am always developing new work and thrive creating small batches and intricate one-of-a-kind pieces.
A dedicated studio practice of clay, drawing and painting form the foundation of my artistic portfolio. I occasionally experiment in other art forms, finding inspiration in exploration. I also enjoy sharing my love of clay; I am an experienced teacher and offer classes in a variety of formats.
Clay
I work primarily creating functional wheel-thrown pieces, incorporating colours, textures, a variety of clays, as well as my own hand-drawn images from nature and science into functional pieces. I’m often experimenting and adding new lines of pottery, some grow and develop into larger works while others remain a small-batch limited edition.
My pottery pieces are easily enjoyed for their utility and artistry, but also have a more contemplative background urging the user to delve into each piece. The pottery has a modern-rustic appeal designed with great consideration to utility and feel-in-the-hand heft. Attention to detail and craftsmanship are integral to my practice and pieces are designed to be both thoughtful and utilitarian.
Painting & Drawing
I always have a painting on the go and spend time working with acrylic on canvas or wood panels whenever I can fit it into my art practice. I create ephemeral landscapes, sometimes layered with nature-derived imagery of animals or occasionally human built elements.
My drawings are done with ink and watercolour and I enjoy zooming in to create detailed macro drawings. Some of these find their way onto my pottery as in my line ‘Flora & Fauna’
Teaching
I teach a wide range of levels and am accommodating and inclusive of students at any stage of learning. Along with my independent class offerings, I have many years of experience teaching clay classes at Lupine Art Studio and North Island College. I am a committed teacher dedicated to developing foundational clay skills and enjoying the process, encouraging students towards achieving a high level of ceramic craftsmanship and developing authentic confidence in the clay process by fostering a learning environment of practice, exploration and experimentation.
FAQ
What type of clay do you use?
Most light pieces are made from translucent porcelain and table ware is made of stoneware fired to cone 6 (approximately 2200 degrees Fahrenheit).
What glazes do you use?
I mixes all my own glazes and strive for not only a beautifully finished surface, but also durability that can withstand normal daily use including the dishwasher. Many of my carved porcelain lamps are unglazed to enhance the texture and maintain maximum translucency.
Are your lamps a standard size, can I pair the shade with my existing hardware?
Generally, yes and I sell the shades and hardware separately to facilitate this. They are sized to fit a standard LED fixture, however if you are unsure, please reach out and I can confirm if it will fit.
How do I wash my lamps and pottery?
Simply remove lamp shade and scrub with dishsoap and water. Tableware can be washed by hand or dishwasher.
How do you get the images onto the pottery?
Images on the Flora & Fauna line are hand-drawn with watercolour and ink, then a decal transfer process is used to apply an image to the piece and an additional kiln firing adheres the iron rich image permanently into the glaze surface. While most pottery undergoes 2 firings, each Flora & Fauna piece undergoes 3 firings… first to bisque (harden) the clay so it can be handled to glaze it, second to fire glaze onto the piece and third to fuse the decal image onto the glazed piece. At the end of this process pieces are durable and dish-washer safe.
Are your vessels meant to be cremation urns?
They certainly can be and are sized and designed to function well for this. However I choose to leave the use open to you. Many people use them to hold cremated remains either temporarily or permanently, while others use them to hold other treasures such as photos, letters, instructions, etc. This is entirely up to you.
Why do you do so many things?
I have always been drawn to many different things and strive to live a life that supports this. I consider myself a multipotentialite.
Wiki definition: Multipotentiality is an educational and psychological term referring to the ability and preference of a person, particularly one of strong intellectual or artistic curiosity, to excel in two or more different fields.[1][2]
It can also refer to an individual whose interests span multiple fields or areas, rather than being strong in just one. Such traits are called multipotentialities, while "multipotentialites" has been suggested as a name for those with this trait.