Reach Natural

What originally drew you to creating ceramics?

I've always been drawn to the earth and its various forms—from spending many summers gardening and growing a love for plants, to collecting rocks and sand from around the world, to learning how to hand-build clay in high school, I often have my hands in the mud in one way or another. When a good friend of mine asked if I would like to join her in a pottery class a few years ago, I kind of knew instinctively that I would enjoy it. It's been a love affair ever since.

Where do you pull inspiration from for your collections?

I live on an island in a city that's surrounded by water on three sides with remnants of old growth forests, mountains to the north and south, craggy shorelines, and epic sky gazing from endless beaches. It's hard not to pull inspiration from the beautiful west coast nature that surrounds me. I'm also influenced by traditional Japanese forms and the lightness of Scandinavian design while being rooted in this beautiful landscape I live in. And my dog Isla.

When you are not in your studio, how do you spend your time?

Thinking about when I can get to the studio next (just kidding, sort of). I have a lab/shepherd dog named Isla who I try to bring everywhere with me, so a lot of my time is spent doing things with her and my partner; we surf, sail, hike, beachcomb, canoe, and go on lots of road trips with her. When I'm not doing those things, I'm usually cooking or eating. Victoria is chock full of great farmers markets, coffee shops and restaurants, so it's easy to eat well here.

Can you tell us a bit more about your creative process?

It depends on what I'm making, but if it's something I haven't made before or want to tweak the design of, I usually start out by sketching it out and jotting down any notes or thoughts. Pottery is largely about minute muscle memory, so drawing it out on paper first really helps me visualize what movements I need to make when I'm creating new pieces. Breathing is a must, music is a must, a window is a must, and having Isla at my feet makes it perfect.

Do you have any tips for other small business owners?

When I first started out, I made it my goal to say yes to every opprotunity—to all the markets, commissions, store orders, special events, and collaborations. Although that was great in some ways, the biggest thing I have learned is to establish boundaries. Especially with time. It's okay to be more selective now—I can't say yes to everything, and I can't spend every hour of every day at the wheel. Spending time away from your business is nourishing and grounding.

Why is shopping small/local important to you?

I'm extremely lucky to live in a city where people seem to really value supporting small local businesses, and in a time when shopping small is an international movement. One of the most important things to me is community; anytime someone supports a local artist or a small family run business, they're feeding the community—both literally and socially. Knowing whose hands made your favourite cup, bowl, or planter makes it so much more special.

Hand Thrown

Each and every piece sold here at Reach is hand thrown by me, with love, in my little island studio. Unique, perfectly imperfect, and designed to fit into your life (and cupboard) seamlessly.

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Designed for You

Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Or just wanting something that's extra special? I also do custom work to transform your ideas into a reality. Send me a message, and let's get started.

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2018 Classes

New to pottery? Want to learn in a relaxed, inspiring environment? Sign up to join me in the studio for some beginner hand building classes to start the new year off on a creative foot.

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Gather Up

I believe that good food and good company go hand in hand. It was that exact belief that inspired me to create a collection that would bring people together and spark conversation.

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Collections

Jupiter

A minimal collection of pieces inspired by the swirling sandy beaches of the BC coast. Understated and earthy, the Jupiter collection highlights that which it holds.

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Gather

The belief that good food and good company go hand in hand is what inspired the Gather collection; designed to spark conversation and bring people together.

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Birch

Paying homage to one of Canada's most distinctive trees, the Birch collection embodies minimal nature-inspired design with delicate hand-painted brush strokes.

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Various hanging stoneware vases in a minimal swirl and speckle clay. Natural cream glazed exterior and an unglazed interior to prevent root rot. Perfect for smaller house plants or cacti, larger air plants, succulents or flower bunches. Round vase is approximately 4-5" tall, and cylinder vase is approximately 6-7" tall.

Type

Bead Color

The Wheel

A short peek into my messy, clay-tinted world.

Customer Love

Juliana Roth

Absolutely gorgeous. The quality and attention to detail can't be beat! I was so pleased when I received this set, it was everything I had hoped it would be.

Juliana Roth

Patty Richards

This dish is so beautifully made! Perfect size for serving big portions at dinner parties. I even bought an extra one for my mother as a Christmas gift!

Patty Richards

@lindsayhopkins

My boyfriend and I love our new Lunar mugs! They look so lovely alongside our other dishes. Can't wait for another opportunity to purchase!

@lindsayhopkins

Clay Class 2018

Beginner Hand Building

New to pottery? Want to learn in a relaxed, inspiring environment? Sign up to join me in the studio for some beginner hand building classes.

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Journal

Inventory Interview

Q&A

What originally drew you to creating ceramics?

Where do you pull inspiration from for your collections?

When you are not in your studio, how do you spend your time?

Can you tell us a bit more about your creative process?

Do you have any tips for other small business owners?

Why is shopping small/local important to you?

Hand Thrown

Designed for You

2018 Classes

Gather Up

Collections

Jupiter

Gather

Birch

Jupiter Hanging Vase

Jupiter Hanging Vase

Type

Bead Color

The Wheel