Ellen’s Pottery

Ellen Statz, Ceramic Artist

Ellen was born and raised in the small coastal community of Campbell River. As the daughter of a commercial fisherman, she has a long and direct connection with the sea and with nature.

While pursuing a Fine Art Diploma at Malaspina College (now VIU) in Nanaimo BC, Ellen has a serendipitous meeting with clay and became instantly addicted. She was often the first to arrive at the ceramics studio in the morning, and the last to leave at night.

After receiving her diploma, she returned to Campbell River and continued her art education and work in Raku at North Island College. For years she balanced a working life and caring for family together with her pottery career. In 2006 she made the decision to work full time in the studio, and has never looked back.

“When I get my hands into the clay, all is right in my world. Clay is truly a magical material and I have not begun to exhaust the possibilities

Considered the traditional method for creating bowls for the Japanese tea ceremony, Raku originated in Japan in the late 16th century. Founded by Raku Chojiro. the Raku technique and tradition has been passed down through 15 generations of the Raku family, creating a unique ceramic dynasty with over 450 years of history.