Location
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Biography
Genre
Ceramics
Medium
Fine Art, Pottery
Short Biography
Ceramic Artisan
Biography
CLAIRE OLIVIER
In a world of mass production
handmade pottery feels like
poetry you can hold
For more than 9000 years vessels have been created by kneading, shaping and firing earthen materials. While many traditional methods are no longer practiced, hand shaping clay remains a cherished art form and legacy that Claire fully embraces.
Her ceramic journey began about 30 years ago, with a focus on work fired in in an earthen pit. In 2017, Claire moved to beautiful Qualicum Beach from Salt Spring Island, BC, where she was a member of their guild and participated in numerous shows and events. She continues to explore forests and beaches that serve as a constant source of inspiration.
What distinguishes her work is that each piece is created by hand, without the use of a potter’s wheel. She may carve or impress designs and decorate with coloured slips and underglazes using time honoured techniques. Terra sigillata, another coating technique employed is similar to Roman pottery. She utilizes both conventional kilns and surface firing methods, metal bins fuelled with seaweed and other combustible organic materials. She seeks colour from direct contact with fire. Terra cotta and porcelain pieces employ more conventional methods that involves at least two firings in an electric kiln. Once finished, her creations are sealed with beeswax, commercial sealants, or clear watertight glazes.
During the past few years she has undertaken artist’s residencies in Northern Tuscany which included visits to Florence, Lucca, Sienna as well as many ancient hamlets and communities. In the spring of 2026, she will complete an apprenticeship in the ancient art of Kintsugi in the historic city of Nara, Japan. Kintsugi teaches a philosophy of embracing imperfections and finding beauty in brokenness. It is the traditional art of repairing pottery by mending areas of breakage with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Claire is thrilled to learn this technique and looks forward to incorporating its elements into her practice.
While her studio is not regularly open to the public, Claire may be reached through her website. She participates in a limited number of artisan sales (including, in Qualicum Beach, the Hoylake Laneway Artisan Sale held on the August Long Weekend). You can also find some of her creations at the McMillan Art Centre in Parksville and the Old School House in Qualicum Beach.
