Down to Earth Clayworks

My name is Brenda Neall and I am the CPO (Chief Potter and Owner) of Down to Earth Clayworks, a home-based pottery studio and retail showroom, located in the Lang Creek area, south of the town of Powell River.

Several years ago, being a collector and admirer of handcrafted pottery, I decided I wanted to learn more about the making of the pots I loved to collect — what was this magic, this alchemy that would transform mud into pottery. This led me to our local Arts Centre where I began to take evening classes. I was hooked! The fwump, fwump, fwump rhythm of the kick wheel, the ‘dug from the earth’ smell of the clay, the wonder of seeing the walls of a pot rise from a lump of clay, the Christmas morning excitement of seeking out my finished pieces as they came out of the kiln – all resonated deeply within me.

In 2005/2006, life took took a right turn, giving me the opportunity to focus full-time on becoming an accomplished potter. I started down this new path by signing up for Ceramics and other Fine Arts classes at our local university college and attending as many ceramic related workshops as I could. Once immersed in a ceramics program, I came to appreciate how much there is to learn about the world of pottery and ceramic arts and to realize the learning process would never end.

In 2008 my husband Richard and I left city life and moved back to my home town of Powell River, BC, where we settled south of town, in the Lang Creek area. It is a beautiful location, close to the ocean and shores that I loved as a child. The eagles soar overhead, the flocks of geese honk their comings and goings, the occasional bear or deer wanders down the road. It was the perfect spot to set up my new studio and showroom - quietly inspiring. After arriving, we worked hard, renovating our house and building the pottery. We eagerly opened the doors and welcomed our first customers to our showroom in late November 2008.

My work has continued to develop and grow over the last two years. I use a variety of medium fire, stoneware clays and make my own glazes which allow me a high degree of flexibility and freedom as to the type of finish and colour of my wares.

As when I first started, my first love is making wheel–thrown pottery with a focus on functional pots that can be used in all areas of the home. However, I occasionally diverge into using hand–building and mold–making techniques, including the ongoing development of a line of tiles, inspired by the nearby ocean, seashore and forests.

My love, wonder and enthusiasm for the making of handcrafted pottery and ceramic wares has only grown stronger over time and I look forward to sharing this passion with others. Visitors are welcome to tour the studio, watch a demonstration or browse the showroom. If you don’t find what you are looking for your first visit, please come again, as our pottery wares and glazes will continue to change and evolve over time.