Witsand Pottery Pieces

About me

My name is Joe Martens and I have been hand building whimsical clay pieces for the past decade. I live in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island and some of my work can be found at the Salish Sea Gallery in Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island. 

I grew up in Calgary, Alberta and was an accountant during my working life. After retiring, I moved British Columbia and begin creating clay pieces. I am passionate about raku firing and many of my pieces have been finished this way. Working with clay fulfills the creative side of my personality and is fun!

 

Pieces in Progress

There are many stages to the finished pieces. First the clay is shaped, then covered and dried slowly before the first firing. After this, the pieces are decorated with glaze or underglazes before being fired a second time. Through all these processes, every attempt is made to protect the fragile pieces that are subject to studio and environmental elements. Finished clay pieces are a celebration!

Exhibitions

  • Art 4 Life, Port Moody Arts Centre, Port Moody, BC 2016 -2019, 2023
  • Wow Art Gallery, Gibsons, BC 2019
  • Parkgate Studio Artists Display, North Vancouver, BC 2022
  • Blue Shore Arts in View, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Squamish, Whistler, BC  2018-2021

Feel free to contact me

My email is joemail@witsandpottery.com