Maker of the Month #5: Marie
1. When did you start ceramics?
I started at 9 years old in a workshop behind my mother's house in Belgium. I went there every Saturday for a long time. When I didn't go, I missed it. I was shaping, beautiful little sculptures that my mother kept for a long time in her "museum of horrors".
2. Can you tell us about your practice and what you like to make?
I finished the DEC in ceramic technique at Cégep du Vieux-Montréal in 2016. We learn all the techniques there and the goal is to allow us to live from our profession. Which means that I mainly made utilitarian pieces. I still do some, but in smaller quantities. Since I work full time at Atelier make , I have less time for production, markets, etc. This suits me for now, because I want to explore the more sculptural side of ceramics and make unique pieces. I think I like playing with clay more than really making something in particular. I like the meditative aspect of ceramics. 
3. Tell us about your time at Atelier Make – what does ceramics bring to your life?
At first, I gave classes there, 2 to 3 times a week. A few years later, Jaimie offered me a job as a technician, and to take care of the firings and other little things that have to be done in a pottery workshop, like recycling the clay, preparing the glazes, glazing, etc. Little by little, I got involved and started doing everything. I love my job and am grateful to be able to do the job that drives me.
Ceramics is a time for me, a time in my bubble, out of time. In fact, the relationship with clay is very strongly linked to my origins. The first time I saw my teacher kneading the clay, it reminded me of my childhood and my mother who cooked Tibetan momos . It was a connection through the material and the gesture with her and with my origins. This is one of the reasons why I prefer to manipulate the clay without a goal rather than with a final objective. It is with time that I realize this.
4. Is there anything you would like to share?
Recently, you can find some of my pieces at Atelier Make . I thank Jaimie and Maya for giving me this opportunity. I also share some of my creations on my Instagram account @ massinoise or on my Facebook page Marie Massin céramique 
