About Me
Robbi Bremner (aka: Roberta Bremner, nee Huzar)
I’m a full-time working mom, and wife who found a passion for clay. If I’m not working, or in my studio, you’ll find me outside somewhere in nature probably with my family. Hiking or camping in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
The elements and colours of the outdoors are captured in my pieces.
My Journey
I wondered if I could do it…
I made a pottery project in kindergarten, which I only remember because my mom kept on our wall for years until it was accidentally broken. If I can ever find a picture of it, I’ll post it. It was a sun, and the rays were impressions made from the handle of a plastic fork.
It wasn’t until 2008 that I finally tried again. There was a pottery sale nearby (hosted by Mount Pleasant Potters’ Guild) and I fell in love with so many pieces on display. I bought a pitcher as my favourite and then searched for a pottery/ceramic school.
I first started learning at Feats of Clay in Calgary by Jo-Ann and Myrna. It was a drop-in and learn-as-you-go setting.
In 2010, I switched schools to North Mount Pleasant Art Centre. I had the pleasure of working among many talented ceramic artists in the Member’s Studio, where we shared the tables, equipment, glazes and great conversations. I gained a lot of knowledge and practice.
I attended workshops, demos and presentations (and still am) on a regular basis.
I started to discover my own style.
In 2012, my daughter talked me into organizing a clay project for the kindergarten class she was in. This has since turned into an annual event! I love watching how excited the children get while making their clay projects. I teach them the basic steps, and they turn out beautiful pieces that they’re proud of. I wonder if any of these children will get the clay bug like I did? 🙂 I’ve managed to get two teachers hooked, the pottery bug is happily spreading…
In 2014, I participated in my first of many wood firings.
A wood firing requires the preparation of a whole cord of wood to be collected and split. Glazed work is loaded into the kiln, then bricked closed, and fired over 14-18 hours until the temperature reaches 1330 C. Wood must be continuously fed into the kiln until maximum temperature is reached.
My most favourite part of wood firing is my pots randomly receiving flecks of ash that brand the pieces providing a unique effect. I greatly enjoy the friendly company and chit-chat from my fellow potters.
Wood firing is a true labour of love given the special effort required. ♥
In 2015, I made the decision to start building my own studio. The flexibility of being able to work when I wanted to from home was very appealing.
My studio began with a 4′ kitchen island purchased from Ikea, a pottery wheel, an electric kiln and a few glazes. My area has since expanded to include a slab roller, more shelving, and more space!
In 2019, I was excited to perform my first salt firing with Elan ds Muir and Terry Hildebrand at Medalta in Medicine Hat.
A salt firing involves heating the kiln by gas for approximately 14 hours. Salt is added when the kiln temperature reaches about 1250 C. The firing is complete once the kiln reaches 1330 C.
The salt and soda kilns at Medalta have been rebuilt since I last visited. Elan and I are anxious to to try them out!
My journey continues…
