My Journey into Ceramics: From Abstract to Ceramics

Hey everyone, Anna here!

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my creative journey so far—because even though it’s only been just over two years since I started working with ceramics, it’s been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and unexpected opportunities.

Let’s rewind a bit.

Where It All Started

My love for art actually began back in 2020, right when the pandemic hit. Like so many others, I moved back home with my parents and found myself searching for something meaningful to pass the time. That’s when I really got into visual art.

I started learning the basics of sketching and acrylic painting with my mom, who’s also a hobbyist painter. Her encouragement and creativity sparked something in me, and I began diving into abstract art. I was especially drawn to the freedom and expression in abstract work—it felt intuitive and full of emotion.

That curiosity led me down the rabbit hole of acrylic pouring and resin painting. I spent hours experimenting on my own, learning through trial and error (and making lots of messes!). But it was incredibly fulfilling, and slowly I started building my confidence as an artist.

Taking It Public

By 2023 and 2024, I began stepping out of my comfort zone. I participated in my first live painting event, and eventually showed and sold my work at larger art markets like the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair and Artist Project TO.

These moments were huge milestones for me—especially as a self-taught artist. Standing among other talented creatives and seeing people connect with my work was honestly surreal. It was scary and exciting all at once, but I’m so proud I did it.

Enter: Clay

In 2023, I took a big leap and signed up for a 10-week wheel throwing course at the Toronto School of Art. I had no idea what I was getting into—just that it looked fun. And wow, did I fall in love.

Learning to throw was hard at first, but also incredibly therapeutic. There’s something grounding and meditative about working with clay, and I found myself completely absorbed in the process. After finishing the course, I practiced on my own any chance I could get. I was hooked.

From Student to Teacher

As I was building my skills, a friend of mine who had just started teaching at Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio mentioned they were looking for another instructor—and she recommended me. I applied, and not long after, I was hired.

From there, everything clicked. I discovered that not only did I love creating pottery, but I also loved teaching it. Sharing my passion with others, watching students grow and gain confidence—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do now.

Today, I teach kids, teens, adults, and seniors across three studios, and I feel so lucky to be doing what I love every single week.

Looking Back (and Ahead)

This journey—from picking up a paintbrush during lockdown to becoming a ceramics instructor—has been wild, messy, beautiful, and transformative. I never imagined I’d go from resin art to the pottery wheel, but I’m so glad I followed my curiosity.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful. You never know where your creative spark might lead—so take that first step, and just keep going.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of my story. ❤️ And if you would like to follow along or take one of my classes feel free to take a look at Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio and check to see when I’ll be teaching another pottery class!