Our Team

The therapeutic effect of the magical bond between clay and potter never ceases to fascinate Mario Ruy.  Born in Mexico City, Mario became a ceramist by attending the Taller Experimental de Ceramica de Coyoacan to study with master ceramist Alberto Diaz de Cossio. He learned on a wheel that uses leg strength, just as early pottery turners did. Based in Montreal since 2018, Mario has become a full-time ceramist. Director of Atelier Cône10, he creates his own works and shares his passion by giving courses for all levels.  Mario continues his research into glazes, not only for his own works, but also to help the artistic community diversify the variety of possible colors and textures. His works are generally made with clay and high-temperature glazes (cone 10) to create unique effects that only temperatures above 1285 ˚C can produce. Previously a professional dancer, Mario has transferred his artistic skills and teaching methods to pottery: now he dances with his hands!

Léa Jasmine was classically trained in the visual arts. She fell in love with clay at first sight.  Ceramics has transformed her life as an artist. "Everything around me becomes calm and peaceful when I work with clay. It's a process that gives me a singular joy, that of transforming step by step into its final form what is initially and for all intents and purposes mud." It is through her works that Léa wishes to convey to those who use them, a sense of peace and tranquillity. To offer an eternal moment.  The joy and flow that come from the challenges presented by clay are magnificent and all-encompassing. It's mysterious that we can experience an almost mystical joy from this exercise, when it's all based on a working method and chemistry. A Montrealer by birth, Léa is endowed with great curiosity and a wide range of interests. She looks forward to continuing to freely share her joy and knowledge of ceramics, as Mario has generously done with her.

Jeff Mann is a multidisciplinary artist who draws on his background in the visual arts to develop his work with clay. Interested in the joy of natural materials, conscious repetition and craft as embodied practice, his work with clay ranges from video animation to sculpture to functional objects. Jeff is interested in the intersection between available means of realization and the natural world. He sees the ancient relationship between the human body and clay as an important means of opening up to the world and anchoring himself in an age disconnected from nature. Some of his greatest joys in life come from passing on the craft and helping others in their creative endeavours.

Originally from small-town Manitoba, it was in 2018 that Meriel immersed herself in clay. She discovered its benefits for mind, body and soul. It's the physical aspect of creating by hand that stimulates her most. You'll often find her hands elbow-deep in recycled clay, stirring and sifting glazes, or loading and unloading kilns.  Her creations are inspired by the form and function of mid-twentieth-century Scandinavian design, as well as the colors and ornamentation of the Art Deco period. Her intention is to offer singular pieces in porcelain stoneware, evoking comforting people, places and times. Meriel has worked on ceramic mosaics. She has transposed the work of artists into ceramic tile frescoes, using different glazing techniques and textures.

Tara Dougans is Tiohtià:ke / Montreal-based artist whose sculpture and facilitation work considers silent-level sensing through touch. Drawing from a both visual and contemplative arts background, supported by a strong somatic focus, they are interested in clay's capacity to create non-linear opportunities for process, play, body awareness and collective listening. Form forming form – a convergence of poetry and physicality. 

Juliana Lai has always loved art that requires you to be agile with your hands. Fascinated by ceramics and its ability to create functional works of art from a small ball of clay, she took up throwing and hasn't looked back since.  Juliana's favorite part is when the clay centers itself. It gives her the impression of being in perfect alignment with the clay. Time seems perfectly still at that moment, and you feel filled with a sense of inner peace.  In Juliana's work, you'll find soft, rounded shapes with clean lines.

With a curious mind, Ines is specializing in art history at McGill University. She is particularly interested in postcolonial and feminist subjects and methodologies. A native of Geneva, Ines graduated with honors from a Swiss Maturité program in art history and visual arts. A few years ago, she began her pottery journey, in which she found her two passions combined: yoga and the arts. Pottery allows her to calm the fluctuations of her mind - the definition of yoga, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras - while immersing herself in a creative process that has always been part of her life. You'll find her at the studio making pottery, teaching workshops, coaching independent practices and open studios, getting to know you and making you laugh!