About

Ceramics with inspired shape and surface

Each Nima Stoneware piece is perfection in imperfection. Ceramic artist Natalie Gagnon searches for the sublime through spirited texture and surface glazes on uniquely handcrafted forms. Craftsmanship and the mark of the hand—not commercial machine-made precision—is celebrated in each form. A slight wobble, spirited texture and surface, organically pooled glaze, each give life and character to a piece.

Whether handbuilt with care or thrown on the wheel, every Nima Stoneware piece is an exercise in craftsmanship. Woodblock stamps, gestural wax-resist, and multi-colored glazes combine with considered forms to bring the sublime to you and your home. Adorn yourself with distinctive woodblock-impressed jewelry accented with semi-precious stones, natural materials, and gold-plated findings. Enhance your decor, dining and cooking with functional ware to cherish. Gaze the flamboyant and unexpected surfaces of raku. Surround yourself with the refined beauty that only craftsmanship can provide.

Natalie’s Journey

You never know when you’re going to discover the thing—you know, the thing you are meant to do—your passion. For me it was 2014 and I decided to finally take (after a decade of latent desire) a ceramics wheel throwing class at Claytek Studios in Vancouver. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly a natural; but, I did have a lot of laughs with my good friend struggling beside me. Fast forward to now and I’m a member of Claytek and spend all my extra time in the studio. You see, while I’d love ceramics to be my only job, it isn’t. I’m a graphic designer by trade and I teach university design courses at both Simon Fraser University and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. But it’s potting that keeps me centered (pun intended). It’s simply a real treat having all the fellow Claytekkies as friends and as an extended support network. Plus I’m able to bring my dog, Lexi, to share in the fun. It may be mud we’re playing with, but the journey of making and giving is what it’s all about. That’s why I founded Nima Stoneware in 2017.

Inspiration

For many years I’ve admired the arabesque textures and patterns of the islamic world. Their geometry, elegant yet intricate simplicity, and attention to detail never cease to amaze. There’s just something about pattern. Even in my own home I’m surrounded by patterns, natural materials, and handcrafted objects from around the world. There’s a Turkish rug in my living room, mother of pearl inlay boxes from Egypt, tooled leather pouf from Morocco, baskets from Kenya and Belize, and many more smaller objects (pots included) from near and far corners of the globe. So if you see a cultural influence in Nima Stoneware pieces, try to guess where it’s from. India? Japan? You never know where I’ll turn to next.

Follow to find perfection in imperfection