KK Pottery Design | Manning, AB
When a new hobby lights up a creative passion, the possibilities for growing and learning become infinite. For Manning resident Kaitie Koch, a chance encounter with the art of pottery became an obsession just a year later.
“I ended up at the Manning Pottery Guild for a company event. I had no interest in pottery and was only there to socialize,” said Koch. “Then, I made my first mug and before the end of the evening I was totally hooked.”
That night, Koch purchased her studio membership, and soon she would find herself going into the studio every morning before work to create new pieces.
Later, Koch acquired the materials and equipment needed to work from home.
“I haven’t mastered the pottery wheel yet, and it is probably my least favourite technique as I find it a bit restrictive and unforgiving,” said Koch. “I much prefer the freedom of hand building where you can create anything from mugs to birdhouses without boundaries.”
As Koch’s creations began to outgrow the space in her husband’s shop, she realized she needed an outlet for her work, so she started her business, KK Pottery Design.
“A person only needs so many vases or mugs. So, I started selling my creations, and it went better than I expected,” said Koch. “The income allowed me to buy more supplies and try new techniques.”
One new technique was Raku firing. Koch built her own small Raku kiln to try the process, which involves removing a piece from the kiln while it is still fire hot, placing it into a bucket of combustible material and submerging it in water.
“Every piece is completely unique, and there is very little control in the outcome. It’s fun and interesting,” said Koch.
A recent opportunity to purchase ceramics expanded her business. And, although it wasn’t a path Koch had initially planned, she embraced it.
Along with the kiln she wanted, Koch acquired over 2,000 unique molds as part of a package deal and has completely immersed herself in them.
“Since I had the molds, I thought I might as well give ceramics a try. I roped my mother into pouring ceramics with me one day, and now we often spend entire days together pouring,” said Koch. “The ceramics have given me the opportunity to create things I would never be able to create by hand, like an amazing Dungeons and Dragons inspired chess set that I love!”
This fall, Koch is offering “do it yourself” (DIY) kits, which will allow people to purchase their own ceramics and put their own spin on the finished product.
The kits are available at the Manning Pottery Guild, so groups can come in and everyone can work on an individual kit.
Koch is hoping to have the DIY kits available for purchase at the Grimshaw Christmas Market and on her Facebook page soon as they will make great gifts this holiday season.
“I’m hoping to do a couple Christmas markets this year, and I’ll have an assortment of finished pieces as well as the ceramic DIY kits,” said Koch.
The unfinished bisqueware [fired] ceramics range from home-and-garden décor, like unicorns and gnomes, to nativity and chess sets. They can be finished with non-firing glazes or even everyday acrylic paint.
Although it has only been just over a year since Koch found pottery, she already has several goals for the future of her business. She looks forward to connecting with more customers through markets and an upcoming collaboration with the Peace River Art Hub.
“Everything has happened so quickly. I haven’t really had time to focus on the business side. I’ve just been enjoying the creating and learning aspects, and the by-product of that has been sharing the pieces I sell,” said Koch.
Koch’s advice for those pursuing new creative outlets is simple.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things even if you think you won’t like it. I had absolutely zero interest in pottery or ceramics prior to my visit to the Manning Pottery Guild, and now it takes up all my free time,” said Koch.
Find KK Pottery Design on Facebook, or at the Grimshaw Christmas Market on November 16 at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex. Also, look for KK Pottery Design at other markets throughout the season.
By Kelly Pippin | Photography Submitted
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