Teresa johnston

Available at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton

Teresa is a Calgary based ceramic artist and designer. She graduated from the Alberta College of Art (now Alberta University of the Arts) in 1998 with a BFA major in Ceramics. She creates hand built functional pieces that aim to spark joy in the everyday, elevated kitchen items that invite a smile and an on-going relationship with the user. Along side her ceramic practice Teresa is also an award winning graphic designer. Years of graphic design training continues to inform her art practice, using the design principles of visual communication and her attention to detail to hone her craft.

Teresa has an affinity for Ceramic history. In particular the industrial age ceramics of Stoke-on-Trent and the Creamware creations of Josiah Wedgwood. She is also inspired by the folk art tradition of Scrimshaw from the same era. Led by her obsession with historical craft, Teresa was fortunate to attend a Summer residency in Faenza, Italy. Studying at Faenza Art Ceramic Centre under masters in their respective fields. Along with regular ceramic studio classes, she was also introduced to ceramic restoration and the history of ceramic art and architecture. While in Italy she was trained in the art of majolica painting, a technique she incorporates in her work today.

Historical research, Illustration and design considerations are always at the forefront of Teresa’s work. She typically spends several hours in her sketchbook designing a new piece before it will get translated into the finished ceramic form. Resulting in a well crafted, well designed object that the user can appreciate on a daily basis.