Vancouver ceramics artist Lisa Warren is in her element at the wheel, doing her part in lending meaning to the phrase “perfectly imperfect”. We put Lisa in the hot seat to find out what makes her world go ’round!
Where did you grow up in BC?
We moved a few times when I was a kid, but I think North Burnaby was my favourite. We lived next to the library, the park and the pool. The mountain and trails were close too – it was pretty idyllic.
Tell us your story, how was Lisa Warren Ceramics born?
I really love working with clay, I’ve been doing it for most of my life. I fell in love with the ability to make something functional out of dirt – the process is really amazing. I still look at a bucket of clay sludge sometimes and am in awe of how it can be transformed. It’s easy to spend enormous amounts of time on the wheel and in the studio, so making pottery for people seemed to come naturally. And it’s a privilege to be able to make functional pieces that people really enjoy using.
Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?
I really love the shapes of ancient Peruvian pottery, but I also love minimalist pieces. And of course I’m also influenced by my fellow potters, there’s so many talented people out there.
What has been your most memorable creation so far? and what is your personal favourite piece that you offer?
My favourite piece is the circle vase, but my favourite things to make are large planters and vases. Just throwing a big piece of clay on the wheel and not having any kind of plan, that’s the best.
Any pieces you’ve stopped making that you’re thinking of bringing back?
I’m bringing back the skull planter I think! Fingers crossed it works out.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to sculpt, or challenge yourself to sculpt?
I’ve always wanted to make a huge pot, as big as I can fit in the kiln. Something more sculptural and loose, more hand built. I’m more of a wheel thrower so hand building large would be a challenge.
Support from our community as a small business is needed more than ever during this time. What are your thoughts and what is something that we can all do to join the effort.
I would encourage everyone to support their local maker or small business. In doing so you’re helping your neighbour and supporting your community economy. And when you shop hand made, there’s so much more connection and appreciation to our everyday objects.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to start their own business? What is something you wish someone had told you?
I’m definitely still learning! I wish I had listened to all the times people told me I could do it earlier, because it’s not as hard or scary as I thought. So that’s my advice, dive in.
What’s coming up for you?
I’m doing a pop-up sale on October 24 at a studio close to Main Street. It’s a small window front spot, part of an amazing studio – I have to thank Scott for letting me use the space, and Charlie for arranging it. I’ll be clearing out my studio so there will be all kinds of one off pieces, and ‘seconds’, which are like pottery misfits.
Lisa Warren Shares Five Fun Facts!
- A piece of pottery goes through 2 firings before being a finished piece.
- I stayed up until 5am watching my first kiln fire.
- Ceramic is better than plastic.
- Clay can be recycled and reused endlessly, as long as it’s not fired.
- Cats are not helpful pottery studio assistants.
WBD’s Lightning Round
If I gave you $20 to spend on anything right now, what would it be?
Haw flakes, mangoes and chocolate. Period.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.
I sometimes work on a construction site.
In an alternate universe, what would you be doing for a living?
A lighthouse keeper.
One guilty pleasure you aren’t willing to give up?
Watching movies while I throw on the pottery wheel.
Thank you so much Lisa for sharing a glimpse of your passion with us! Your creations are a beautiful reflection of the West Coast and we’re proud you call Vancouver home.
This Saturday, October 24, stop by Lisa’s Pop Up where you can check out some of Lisa’s fresh stock, sale items and some ‘seconds’; slightly imperfect pieces as well as art from talented artist Charlie Drummond @cpdrm!
For more info:
Website: https://lisawarrenceramics.com/
Instagram: @lisawarrenceramics