ABOUT US

Andy Smith is a Manitoulin Island based social worker and potter who lives in a log cabin with her partner, a writer, and their pets. After receiving her Master’s degree in Social Work from Carleton University, Andy obtained a Certificate in Ceramics from the Haliburton School of Fine Arts.  

Island Clayworks comprises two complementary domains: pottery and project management/writing consulting services.

Our goal is to provide high quality, locally-made ceramic ware which has been carefully crafted with attention not only to form and function, but also to environmental impact and durability. Island Clayworks provides consulting services in the way of project management, social work, and report writing for educational, social service, and other organizations.

Island Clayworks took shape in 2007, with the support of family and friends, culminating with the building of a studio adjacent to our log cabin in a Manitoulin maple sugar bush.

Andy's pots have been described as 'graceful & fluid,' 'elegant,' and of a 'uniquely high quality.' Attention to detail and the values of excellence, honesty, and integrity are the hallmarks of our work. Furthermore, Island Clayworks is committed to the principles of glaze stability as espoused by Ron Roy and John Hesselberth in Mastering Cone 6 Glazes (ISBN 0-9730063-0-7), resulting in functional and durable glazes that will not leach or fade with exposure to the rigors of daily use. Quite simply, this means that red wine left overnight in your wine goblet, or the vinaigrette dressing which sits for days in your pottery bowl will not adversely affect the surface of the pot or your health.

Currently Andy uses commercially prepared stoneware clays but she is looking forward to experimenting with Manitoulin clay.

Feedback welcome; please don’t hesitate to contact us at Andy's Email