CALGARY, Alberta — In a city known for its fast-paced energy and booming industries, one local artisan is carving out a niche for serenity through handmade pottery. Nadine Winsor, the founder of Calgary Clay Co., crafts small-batch ceramics from her home studio, offering unique gifts that emphasize thoughtful design and local craftsmanship. Her pieces, including mugs, bowls, and plates, are gaining attention as alternatives to mass-produced holiday items, appealing to those seeking items free from allergens like nuts or chocolate.
Winsor's journey into pottery began far from the prairies of Alberta. Born and raised in Newfoundland, she pursued a degree in pharmacy at Memorial University in St. John's. To escape the rigors of her studies, Winsor enrolled in community pottery classes at the Craft Council of St. John's. "It became a great foundation for her craft," according to a profile in the Calgary Herald, highlighting how these early lessons provided both skill-building and a sense of community.
After graduation, Winsor and her husband, who was training for a career in oil and gas, relocated to Calgary in search of better professional opportunities. The couple embraced the city's dynamic lifestyle, but as their family expanded, the demands of daily life intensified. Winsor described this period as being caught in a "hamster wheel," with little room for creativity amid the rush of parenting and careers.
A pivotal shift occurred when her husband's job offer took the family to the Sultanate of Oman. Relocating to Muscat on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-2010s, Winsor found herself as a stay-at-home mom, unable to practice pharmacy locally. This unexpected pause allowed her to rediscover pottery at a volunteer-run studio. "Surrounded by generous, experienced mentors and a vibrant clay community, my passion for the craft was reignited," Winsor told the Calgary Herald. Within a short time, she was not only honing her skills but also teaching wheel-throwing classes and assisting with kiln operations.
Life in Oman also brought personal joys, including the adoption of an abandoned pup — a cross-Saluki mix. When the family returned to Calgary after four years in the region's constant heat, they brought the dog along. Winsor recounted the animal's initial bewilderment at its first snowfall, barking at the window, but noted it has since adapted, now enjoying romps in the snow. The transition back home was smooth; the family had retained their Calgary house, and neighbors welcomed them warmly, with the children quickly reintegrating into their community.
Upon returning, Winsor balanced her pottery pursuits with part-time consulting as a pharmacist, specializing in helping patients new to insulin therapy learn to use pumps. However, ceramics quickly became her primary focus. "It also satisfies the part of her brain that requires chemistry, formulating recipes, safety and patience," the Calgary Herald reported, drawing parallels between her scientific background and the meticulous nature of pottery-making.
To accommodate her growing passion, Winsor and her family converted part of their basement into a modest studio and installed a kiln in the garage. This home-based setup has fostered a slower pace of life, allowing more time for family, dog walks, and immersion in the creative process. Winsor emphasized the supportive Calgary clay community, where she shares her skills to give back and maintain connections. "Potters get immersed in their work, speaking to clay in its own language," she said, hoping her pieces encourage buyers to slow down, share meals, and appreciate everyday beauty.
Calgary Clay Co.'s offerings include a variety of functional items: mugs with ergonomic handles featuring thumb depressions for comfort, berry bowls, butter keepers, soap pumps, plates, and more. Many pieces, like the mug featured in a recent Calgary Herald column by business writer David Parker, are commissioned for special occasions such as Christmas gifting. Parker, who received one in a holiday package, praised its design: it not only looked appealing but fit nicely in the hand, and discovering the local stamp prompted his inquiry into Winsor's work.
Sales occur both online through the company's website and at in-person markets around Calgary, where customers can handle the handmade items before purchase. This tactile experience is a draw, as Winsor noted the joy of feeling a crafted piece. Her approach contrasts with corporate gifting norms, avoiding common pitfalls like scented candles or food items that might not suit everyone. "You can’t go wrong with a nice mug," Parker wrote, underscoring the universal appeal of such simple, elegant wares.
Winsor's story reflects a broader trend among Calgarians seeking balance in a high-pressure environment. The city's economy, driven by energy sectors like oil and gas — the field that initially brought her family here — often demands relentless pace. Yet, as Winsor experienced, global relocations and personal resets can lead to renewed creative outlets. Her time in Oman, amid a different cultural and climatic context, not only reignited her hobby but transformed it into a viable small business.
Local experts in the artisan community echo Winsor's sentiments about the therapeutic aspects of clay work. While specific data on Calgary's pottery scene is limited, the Craft Council of Alberta reports growing interest in handmade goods, with markets and studios proliferating in recent years. Winsor's integration into this network upon her return highlights the collaborative spirit, where mentorship flows freely, much like her experiences abroad.
Challenges remain for home-based artisans like Winsor. Balancing production with family life requires discipline, and the small-batch model limits scale. Nonetheless, demand for unique, locally made items persists, especially as consumers prioritize sustainability and personalization over mass-market options. Parker's column, published on the Calgary Herald's business page, positions Calgary Clay Co. as a serene counterpoint to the city's hustle, suggesting its pieces enhance daily rituals — like morning coffee or shared dinners.
Looking ahead, Winsor plans to expand her market presence while maintaining the intimate scale of her operations. She continues consulting in pharmacy, ensuring financial stability, but her heart lies in the studio. As Calgary navigates ongoing issues like water restrictions and infrastructure concerns — as noted in recent Herald reports on feeder main repairs and pipe failures — stories like Winsor's offer a grounding reminder of local resilience and creativity.
In an era where gifts often feel impersonal, Calgary Clay Co. stands out for its emphasis on style and substance. Winsor's mugs and bowls aren't just functional; they're invitations to pause. As she put it, her work aims to help others "find beauty in every day." For those in Calgary or beyond, discovering a piece from her studio might just be the thoughtful gesture that hits the mark this holiday season — or any time.
David Parker, whose encounter with Winsor's mug sparked this profile, can be reached at 403-830-4622 for further insights into local business stories. Winsor's creations are available at calgaryclayco.com and select markets.