FAQs

My receipt is showing IST, what is that?

IST stands for "Indigenous Sales Tax" and is not an official Canadian tax method, rather it's an additional fee in the spirit of reconciliation. My studio practice is on the unceded lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and səlilwətaɬ nations. Being surrounded by the nature here inspires my art constantly and I feel incredibly thankful to live where I do - but feeling thankful doesn't do anything to counteract the systemic oppression of the indigenous communities who never agreed to give up their land in the first place. I didn't choose to be born in Canada, but I can choose how to engage with these systemic issues. I've connected with all three nations and IST is one solution for how to put action behind the word "reconciliation" and ensure that if I'm benefiting from the nature I live in they are too. If you want to learn more about my reconciliation promise I have a whole page dedicated to it.

Do you take commission requests?

Sometimes, it depends on how much work I have lined up already, and it depends on what you're hoping I can make for you. I approach commissions like a tattoo artist - if it's something I haven't done before but I want to learn about I might say yes as long as I don't have a backlog of existing work. Inversely if it's something I can do but I am uninterested in artistically, I reserve the right to decline that work.

With any commission, please keep in mind that ceramics is a slow and iterative process with potential for disaster at every step of the process. I will take 1-3 months for your commission to be completed.

What is the difference between a faulty piece and a break that's my fault?

Faulty pieces have an issue with the way the piece was made. Generally this presents as a crack in the handle where it attaches to the mug or on the base the first time you add hot water to it. Sometimes something goes wrong in the kiln and the glaze doesn't attach to the piece properly and can flake off. I do everything I can to prevent this from happening, but sometimes hidden flaws happen.

Mishandling of my products can result in breakage that is your fault. Bumping the piece against things, putting it in the dishwasher or microwave, or scraping metal implements against it all can contribute to shortening the life of your ceramics (as it does with all ceramics). Each piece will come with a small care card to explain the degree of care you should take.