Laura Gosnell of Trembling Aspen Pottery

Laura Gosnell is a Vancouver Island-based potter whose work reflects the profound connection she has to both the landscapes of British Columbia and her global artistic experiences. Now based in Chemainus, Laura’s work is deeply influenced by the coastal forests, mountains, and Pacific waters surrounding her.

After earning a degree in environmental biology, Laura began working with clay in 1998, and what started as a creative outlet quickly became her primary artistic path. A self-taught artist, she combines her scientific background with a strong commitment to sustainability—her studio is now powered entirely by solar energy, and she strives to create durable, functional pottery that counters the modern trend of disposability.

Her work draws on the organic forms of the West Coast—smooth, weathered stones, sea glass, and the rhythms of coastal life. Laura’s ceramics are a celebration of both nature’s beauty and the art of mindful, lasting craftsmanship

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, I grew up in North Vancouver playing in forests always enchanted by their beauty.  The tall trees, varied grasses, wildflowers, water polished rocks, and majestic mountain ranges of BC are my inspiration. The organic earthy colour tones I need to work with are enhanced by my favorite type of kiln firing.  Salt Firing creates textured and varying tones capturing light within the surface.  The outcome with each piece unique, enhanced by the unpredictable nature of the process.

Since childhood I have always known I would be a potter and realize how blessed I have been to continually grow and create work that comes from within.  I strive to make dishes that are comfortable to hold and use every day with a calming presence.  Sculptural pieces strong in form that enrich the space they contain. 

Formerly from Port Perry, Ontario, Cathy Lombard is a Design graduate of Ontario College of Art where she specialized in Ceramic and Metal work.  Cathy continued her education at the University of Guelph where she majored in Fine Art, concentrating her studies in sculpture and printmaking. 

After graduation, working as a metal artist in her Toronto based studio, she showed at the Merton Gallery, the Ontario Craft Council Gallery and was represented by Art Consultant, Linda Book.

Like many other women artists, Cathy took a hiatus from her vocation to raise a family and when the time came, her decision to return to ceramic work rather than metal was primarily based on the safety and environmental impact between the two media.

As both a skilled thrower and an inventive hand builder Cathy had an active studio practice in Ontario where she completed production runs of unique functional works for local retailers while continuing her sculptural journey by showing work at the Preston Gallery as well as in her studio space during local events and tours.

Nature in all its forms and colours, architecture and contemporary design influence her work but she has always been inspired to forge her own style.

She takes pride in carving original stamps used for repeat images on functional work and continues to create character filled sculptural work from her home studio in Maple Bay on Vancouver Island.

In her most recent collection of mask-like wall pieces she continues her sculptural practice by modelling the fauna of the woodland environments with both realism and character.