Tofino Artist Daniela Petosa
It's all about letting go," says Daniela Petosa looking at a cracked crab platter fresh out of the kiln. Because Daniela loves the process as much as the product; a broken crab platter will not keep her down, for long. "When I put my hands in clay, the whole world fades away." Daniela first fell in love with clay 4 years ago. She was living in Nelson and met a potter who had her own studio. She offered her a trade: childcare for one pottery lesson. "I tried the wheel once and I was mesmerized, I knew it was for me."After Nelson she traveled to San Miguel De Allende, Mexico to do a pottery course. She developed her skills on a difficult machine called a kick wheel--an ancient technique relying on manual kicking rather than electricity. She spent 3 months in Mexico which deepened her appreciation for the wheel. "I was hooked and in love for life. I couldn't wait to get back to Canada to make my own things."
In 2004 Daniela moved to Tofino and avidly looked for studio space. She began teaching her friends pottery and this marked a turning point for her. "Teaching was a huge part of knowing that I wanted to do this for a living." Daniela knew that in order to make the leap from hobby to profession she needed more formal training.
Daniela left Tofino for Haliburton, Ontario last winter to attend Fleming College. The three month intensive course was grueling but extremely rewarding. She returned to Tofino and finally secured a beautiful studio, nestled in the rainforest." Only trees are visible from the studio's windows; which is appropriate for an artist stimulated by nature. "Nature is about movement and I am inspired by motion, transformation, and metamorphosis."
One thing that seems to remain constant in Daniela's life is that it does not stop. Since she has returned from Ontario she has worked on several projects for local schools as well as for the Pacific Rim Arts Society. She just undertook commissions from Long Beach Lodge, Nichol Vineyards, and Shelter Restaurant. Her magnum opus sits on the wall of Shelter. It's a tile on glass mural installation. It is art for art's sake, without a functional purpose. "It's the kind of work I want to do."
Daniela Petosa will be teaching several pottery workshops in Tofino; from beginners to intermediates.
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Tofino artist Daniela Petosa has made the west coast her home for the last two years. She works primarily in clay. She also participates in the Tofino Artist Studio Tour.
