Lael Chmelyk is a potter and maker living in Calgary, AB. Creating primarily functional soda fired ceramics, she also makes quilted garments. Her ceramics are fired at a lower temperature, which helps lower their carbon footprint, and their complex surfaces engage the user, bringing beauty to everyday rituals.
She is passionate about bringing calm and quiet moments into the home, and through using unique pots, she hopes to alter everyday tasks into small celebrations.
In the last year, Lael was awarded the prestigious Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics, a national award for emerging makers. She also taught a workshop at the Medalta International Residency in Medicine Hat about her decorative soda firing techniques this summer.