Community Clay is about curating your life. It’s about redefining living. The objects that surround us impact our understanding of our lives. Calling into question everything we own. How do you design your life?
“I have curated a beautiful life for myself doing things that I love; surrounded by beautiful people; creating things that I love for people that understand. I love that people have an intimate relationship with the objects. They pick them up and fondle them. They allow that mug to touch their lips as they sip on their morning coffee//tea everyday. The objects are thoughtful, they have meaning.”
Gabrielle
Gabrielle Burke
Studio founder and CEO Gabrielle develops goals, direction and operations for the studio; designs product lines & leads the production team; and occasionally teaches Classes & Workshops.
Gabrielle first found clay in 2004 where she explored the medium in a self directed practice. She graduated from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2011. Gabrielle founded Community Clay (formerly g ceramic & co.) as she was enamoured by the way ceramic objects habitat in our daily lives. For her it is amazing how people rely on objects such as mugs and bowls and have an interpersonal relationship with them.
Gabrielle works with all types of clays at a range of temperatures. She loves creating custom lighting & lighting installations, as well as large vases and bowls. She works efficiently, minimizing effort for maximum results. Gabrielle believes that understanding the fundamentals of throwing is essential;
"when you truly understand what's going on between your finger tips you can sit down and make anything: all you need is a sponge, a wire cutter and a pin tool. If you're fighting the clay, let go. Cut if off the wheel and move on. You will learn more from making the next piece, instead of spending that time fighting with the clay. When you are conscious of how to move the clay efficiently, you will also intuitively know how to fix it."
As an instructor she specializes in identifying skills that are challenging students at all levels enabling them to push their practise and grow as an artist. Skills: beginner - intermediate, plates, bowls, handles, large forms.
"Gabrielle is a great hands on teacher who is clear with her explanations. I had an awesome experience and definitely improved my technique during the course of my classes." -Christopher
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I always enjoy my Gabrielle time."
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I loved it! I took a one off workshop with Gabrielle in February thinking that would be it...now I'm wrapping up my 3rd consecutive 6 week class."
Myriam Duchesne
Myriam Duchesne is a ceramic artist living and working in Vancouver BC. She first fell in love with clay while completing her BFA at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.
Myriam is infatuated with the process and tactility of making things out of clay. Her focus is primarily on creating functional pieces; objects designed for interaction and integration into our spaces and routines. She believes that there is a warmth to handmade objects. That objects created with intention carry the weight and thought that went into making them.
Myriam is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of making and has been working as an instructor since 2011. She loves nothing more than introducing people to the wonders of working with clay. She always strives to meet her students where they are, while providing them the tools to grow their skills and explore their creativity.
We are currently hiring. Please see this page for more information.