Barbara Howe

Available at the Alberta Craft Gallery Edmonton

"I have been a professional full-time potter for more than 25 years. I first fell in love with pottery in 1983 when I took a sculpture course. After that, I became a member of the Fort McMurray Potter’s Guild where I was able to hone my hobby and turn it into something more. In 1994 I left my full-time teaching position for more creative pursuits and Clay Necessities was born. Functionality is always top of mind with my production work. I enjoy the challenge of creating pieces that match in size and shape and can be used in sets. But in that functionality, I also bring my artistry. I have a fascination and love for vivid colours and interesting patterns. I take great pride in the glazes and decorations I have created. It is such a joy to hear someone say “I just love drinking from that mug you made. It feels so good. In more recent years, I have been pursuing the sculptural and decorative side of pottery, while still maintaining my production lines. It gives me an opportunity to carve and manipulate clay in new and challenging ways. I am also an avid gardener and lover of birds, and I like to leave evidence of this in my more decorative pieces - particularly my garden totems and Christmas ornaments. Living in Alberta near the Rocky Mountains means I am surrounded by inspiring landscapes, wildlife, and plants. I’m looking forward to being able to reflect this even more in my sculptural works."