“A Day in the Life” with Vancouver-based Ceramic Artisan Chelsey Lane

Chelsey Lane, known affectionately as the “Sore Legged Potter” in the digital sphere of Etsy, is a Nova Scotia native whose journey has taken her from the quaint streets of her hometown to the majestic landscapes of beautiful British Columbia. A multifaceted individual, Chelsey wears many hats – from being a devoted daughter and friend to a former athlete in track, provincial soccer, and basketball, she now navigates the roles of wife, and working mother.

Amidst her bustling life, Chelsey finds solace and passion in the art of pottery-making. Her handmade creations such as pottery/ coffee mugs, clay vases, and other unique home decor items which she sells to customers worldwide, have garnered acclaim for their craftsmanship and charm. Beyond the pottery wheel, Chelsey finds joy in outdoor pursuits such as camping, skiing, and hiking, embracing the rugged beauty of her home in British Columbia.

Having once pursued studies at the esteemed Academy of Art and Design in San Francisco, Chelsey’s artistic journey has been diverse and enriching. Her exploration of fashion and painting in various mediums speaks to her creative spirit and relentless pursuit of self-expression.

Upon relocating to British Columbia, Chelsey further honed her pottery skills through classes with a local artisan, where her talent blossomed like the clay she moulds with her skilled hands. Continual learning has been a cornerstone of Chelsey’s life, as evidenced by her recent attainment of a Professional Project Management designation, showcasing her dedication to personal and professional growth. Project Manager by day, potter by night.

Chelsey invites all to share in her passion for art and life, offering her unique creations as a testament to her boundless creativity and the admiration of her global clientele. Embrace the vibrancy of Chelsey’s artistic journey and let her handmade pottery pieces become a cherished part of your own story.

Chelsey Lane
The photo captures a serene scene in the Sore Legged Potter’s rustic pottery studio. Chelsey sits at her pottery wheel, with a focused expression reflecting the concentration required for her craft. Her hands are delicately shaping a mound of wet clay, gracefully coaxing it into form.
Chelsey Lane
Custom elephant mug with tribal mosaic design.
Custom coffee mug with hand-painted watercolour goat design
Handmade pottery mountain sponge holder, or napkin holder
Custom coffee mug with hand-sculpted women’s clay labia inside to offer dramatic effect
Tropical handmade pottery mug
Chelsey Lane
Northern Lights coffee mug
Chelsey Lane
The photograph captures a delightful array of five ceramic mugs, carefully arranged to highlight their vibrant hues and distinct personalities. From bold primary shades to subtle pastels, the mugs boast a spectrum of captivating tones that catch the eye. Their smooth, glazed surfaces gleam under the light, inviting touch. Against a neutral backdrop, the mugs stand out as beacons of creativity and craftsmanship, promising both visual delight and the comfort of a warm beverage.

***

Which ‘hood are you in?

Residing in ‘East Van’, the streets are alive with the buzz of creativity, as local artists and artisans weave their magic into the fabric of everyday life. From colourful murals adorning building facades to quirky sculptures tucked away in hidden nooks, our neighbourhood is a living, breathing gallery where imagination takes flight.

What truly sets our neighbourhood apart is its unwavering acceptance and embrace of all forms of expression. Here, diversity isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated. Whether you’re experimenting with avant-garde techniques or staying true to traditional methods, you’ll find a supportive community eager to cheer you on every step of the way.

What do you do?

I am a potter. An artisan of clay. I love to create various objects such as handmade mugs, flower vases and unique home decor ceramics. I use a variety of techniques including wheel-throwing, hand-building, and sculpting to shape the clay into desired forms. My belly mugs are the most popular selling item on my Etsy store. Specifically the Ocean at Midnight mug. I like to employ different methods for decorating and finishing my creations, such as glazing, carving, and painting. Through the alchemy of fire and glaze, I transform raw clay into objects of beauty that capture the essence of the earth in which it was born. Each piece is truly unique as it is infused with vision and passion. I obsess over creating the perfect coffee mug that fits snugly in your hand. I love it when the glaze drips down the side of the mug to create a beautiful mash of blues, white hues, and midnight tones.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on the ‘Gloop’ Series- A Vibrant Collection of Spring Vases and Mugs.

Embarking on a journey of whimsy and color with my latest collection, the ‘Gloop’ Series. Inspired by the captivating gloop ashtrays of Seth Rogan, I’ve infused this funky glaze technique into a range of vases and mugs, creating an experience that’s as delightful to touch as it is to behold.

Picture this: a psychedelic pattern dancing across the surface, adorned with pools of gloop that gather in playful clusters, inviting you to run your fingers across their textured landscape. Each piece, whether a mug or a vase, begins its life on the potter’s wheel, shaped with care and attention to detail.

But it’s the ‘Gloop’ element that truly sets these creations apart. Raised surface details, reminiscent of raindrops, are meticulously applied and then glazed in a spectrum of bright colours. These vibrant hues symbolize the arrival of spring and the promise of warmer days ahead.

Indulge in the essence of the season with our ‘Gloop’ Series, where every sip and every bloom becomes a celebration of joy and renewal. Coming to my Etsy store soon!

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on both Etsy and on my personal website. Feel free to browse through my creations and let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything specific you’re looking for.

 

About Demian Vernieri 493 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.