Totally Ceramics is the result of Joanette's (Mom to most) innate sense of creativity - whether designing Halloween costumes or designer vases imaginative and creative. She started as a hobbyist, then under the teaching of Master Teacher Norma Matthews, she began teaching. Her own education expanded into the art of slip casting, proper firing techniques, and on to lace draping and porcelain reprod
uction dolls. Joanette has several certificates and attended many seminars. She believes education never ends, that no matter how much you know, there is always more to learn. When Norma retired, Joanette, with the backing of her husband Bruce, decided to open her own shop. The whole family pitched in, putting their individual talents and training into the set up. Being artistically-oriented, Nadine (daughter) joined Mom right away, becoming a partner and driving force behind the company. They opened their doors in May of 1994 as a Mayco Colors Distributor, greenware supplier and teaching studio. The first three years it was completely family-run with Nadine's husband, Alex, as their midnight shift caster. Joanette concentrated on education - designing and teaching workshops and seminars, and hosting visiting teachers. With the arrival of the Contemporary Studio came the demand for on-hand bisque. It quickly became apparent that they were running out of space. In 2005 one of the main local wholesalers closed their doors, giving them the opportunity to expand their product base. They acquired distributorships for Duncan Enterprises, Skutt CeramicProducts , and Kemper Tools. At this time they were very fortunate to have Bonnie Fensom join the staff. Bonnie had worked with these products for several years, and so brought her knowledge and reputation for top customer service over to them. With the space outgrown, Bruce decided it was time to purchase their own building. In 2006 they bought a new 8,500 sq ft unit in the Cloverdale area of Surrey, and moved in September of 2007. At a family meeting in 2008, they decided to expand into pottery. This decision brought them to Georgie's Ceramic & Clay Co., a new and exciting adventure! While the changing face of the industry has taken them in unexpected directions, their original ideals have not changed.
