Kerri Holmes is moulding the next generation of potters.
The Fernie-based artist is the studio technician at the local potters guild and regularly hosts classes at The Arts Station.
“I love introducing people to pottery,” she said.
“Once you get into it, you’re going down a rabbit hole full of ideas and exploration, and adventures.
“It’s a wonderful journey to be on, we have such a rich history with cultures all around the world.”
Holmes discovered pottery 22 years ago at a community class in Vancouver and went on to study at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Her passion lies in “peasant pottery” and the full forms of pottery from the classical Greek, Italian and French eras.
“I mainly use the potter’s wheel and I throw traditional functional ware for table,” she said.
“I like to use red stoneware and a white glaze on top, I’m pretty minimalist.”
Holmes said it was encouraging to see more interest from the younger generation, with the Potters Guild recently hosting the Fernie Youth Action Network at the studio.
“There’s this public awareness now around pottery and it seems a bit of buzz in the community so I’m excited,” she said.
Holmes is looking at the bigger picture as she prepares to take her career to the next level.
“My big goal right now is getting ready for a solo show next year and I’m going to be focusing on revisiting all the main influences that I’ve had in my career as a potter, so revisiting those and making large garden pots,” she said.
“I’m usually small scale for tableware, so this is a bit of a departure for me.”