In Canada this week, pottery will be the top of people's reality tv watching with the launch of The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown on Thursday February 8, 2024 on CBC Gem. I have watched other industries have their tv shows and competitions, but I am beyond excited for this show launching. Now some background is needed; My mom and I have both watched the British version of pottery throwdown. When the casting call came out for The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown, my mom sent me the link to apply as well as other people. I applied and did a zoom interview with the show, but did not make the cut. It wasn't the right time honestly as I was in the middle of renovating the third floor attic space to launch Elemental Claycation. I have a "staff room" with three other potters here in Saskatchewan and we have agreed to do the challenges in our home studio each week, because that is how we grow in our artform...pushing ourselves.
Now hold the disappointment that I didn't make it onto the TV show this season! CBC Radio Saskatchewan program Blue Sky with Leisha Grebinski producer called Tuesdday wanting to talk pottery. They had their episode on Thursday at noon all about pottery in Saskatchewan and invited me to be a part of the show. You can listen by clicking on this link:
This isn't the first time that I have been on CBC Radio Saskatchewan about my pottery. February 7, 2020 I was interviewed on CBC Radio Saskatchewan's Morning Edition to talk about my highway store being run on the honour system.
Did you notice the date of that interview? Yep four years ago to the week I was on CBC Radio and will be again! So exciting to talk about my passion of pottery on the day that nationally a pottery competition show will be aired! Check out the trailer for the show:
I hope that you enjoyed the Bly Sky episode on Thursday at lunch time and tune intoThe Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown and see what challenges I am going to be doing in my studio over the next week. I luckily won't have cameras rolling the whole time and also I will have more time to push my pottery skills!
Marea Olafson
Freba Pottery