Featuring —

Timothy Smith

Timothy Smith operates Gleason Brook Pottery near Wiarton, Ontario. He is well known in the region for his beautifully crafted, functional stoneware. Along with his regular work, he also does a few wood firings each year with spectacular results. Here is a recent interview:

How did you get started in pottery?

As a Christmas present in 1988, while I was still a student in electrical engineering, my wife gave me a set of pottery lessons at Harbourfront, in Toronto and my life was changed!!!

What is it about pottery that you find so appealing?

It is partly the process and partly the lifestyle. It was mostly a lucky happenstance that I started and I just love it and keep at it.

What about the future?

An important part of the yearly cycle here has been providing an opportunity for student potters, and hopefully I will have two more next summer. It is very much a two way inspiration process. They get a chance to work in a functioning studio; to see that it is possible to earn a living this way, and I gain a lot from their fresh perspectives.

Top photo:
Timothy at work in the studio.

2nd photo:
Pieces ready for glazing.

3rd photo:
Timothy and summer studio assistant Rich Weiss firing the wood kiln.

4th photo:
The wood kiln.

5th photo:
Artist statement

For more photos of Timothy's work and contact information, please see his Artist Profile page.