Marginalized communities are finding support between clay pots and spin wheels at a downtown Toronto ceramic studio

By: Aliya Karimjee

Toronto’s Inspirations Studio highlights the intersection between art and collectivity, allowing communities of women and other marginalized groups to connect through pottery.

As of July this year, Inspirations Studio officially became a part of YWCA Toronto– an organization which, according to its website, “seeks a radical transformation of society where all women, girls and gender diverse people can thrive.”

Now operating out of a new studio space on 369 Church St., this low-barrier ceramics program provides resources and skills for women, gender-diverse and non-binary participants.

Inspirations Studio manager Gudrun Olafsdottir says many participants of this program have experiences with houselessness, trauma, addictions and disability, as well as institutions unwilling to provide them with the support they need to alleviate harmful material conditions. The mission of the program is to help people improve their lives through the making and selling of pottery.

“To work with pottery is a really healing activity,” said Oladsdottir. “I think by learning a skill, people can gain self-confidence and a connection to a community. Members also can earn some supplemental income by selling their work once they’ve developed the skills.”

Participants who are approved following an interview process will receive an eight-week skill-building ceramics course. After they have built up some basic knowledge of pottery, Olafsdottir said members of the studio will have up to nine hours a week of studio time, where they have full artistic freedom over their creations.

One of Inspirations Studio’s participants, who wished to stay anonymous, says that the atmosphere inside the studio is a warm one, offering an outlet for her creative energy. “The place and the support of other artists and people in the studio allows me to be a happier, happier person.”

She explains that being part of the studio has given her not only a sense of community but motivation as an artist. “You don’t always have the time or energy — or even a studio space — to do the work. It’s hard sometimes to work out of your own home,” said the participant. She notes that having a communal space creates opportunities for feedback and collaboration with other women.

Because the studio became part of the YWCA Toronto this summer, Olafsdottir said there will be more programs offered by Inspirations Studio. In addition to members of the studio, they will now serve different sections of the community, such as the 120 women housed in the same YWCA building the studio is located in. The women will have access to drop-in workshops at the studio.

“The YWCA helps young women and girls improve their lives, so it’s a similar mission and it’s aligned,” said Olafsdottir. “It is really great for Inspiration Studio to be part of such a well-established organization that provides wraparound services for women and gender-diverse people.”

The marrying of the two charitable organizations has also granted Inspirations Studio a new operation space, one that’s significantly bigger than its previous location.

“It’s a beautiful place and roomy, and we’re so lucky,” said the participant. “I feel very lucky. It’s a great concept and means a lot to support women artists. I’m very grateful.”

Inspirations Studio exemplifies that art is indeed therapy. Not only are participants offered a space and resources for their creative outlet, but they are also able to find support — emotionally and financially — within their artistic community.

An upcoming event hosted by YWCA Toronto’s Inspirations Studio in collaboration with other organizations is The Good Work Art Market. Dozens of creators and artists will showcase and sell their work at the market, and they will be keeping 100 per cent of the revenue.

“The goal is to highlight the importance of arts for healing and helping people find pride,” said Olafsdottir.

This free admission event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 12-5 p.m. at the Weston Family Learning Centre in the Art Gallery of Ontario. The Good Work Art Market is the perfect place to support the artistic community. Mark the date in your calendars!