Lael Chmelyk

I am a Calgary based maker who is passionate about making functional objects. I began my career in British Columbia and am a recent graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts. Working in both clay and fibre, my work considers identity and personal history through craft process. Recently, my work investigates being a woman in the modern world, and how ideas of femininity diverge from ideas of mothering as womanhood. My functional pottery combines quiet and ornate surfaces on intimate forms.

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“I aim to find forms that pulsate with life but have a sense of ease to them, forms that do not interfere with the surface; but instead act as a quiet pedestal for decoration”
— Lael
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Visit My Shop

I spend every day in my studio making work for you to take home and enjoy with your own daily rituals.

Featured
Solar Dyes Part II
Solar Dyes Part II

Ever since last summer’s research into solar dyes I have been pretty obsessed. This summer, I dove head first and used what I learnt to make more vibrant colours and tried so many new dye plants!

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'Haptic Rituals' Lael Chmelyk Artist Talk
'Haptic Rituals' Lael Chmelyk Artist Talk
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Solo Exhibition 'Haptic Rituals'
Solo Exhibition 'Haptic Rituals'

I have been busy hibernating in my studio to get ready for my first ever solo show. Can someone pinch me?!

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Solar Dyes Research
Solar Dyes Research

For years I have been dreaming of solar dyes that I have seen on pinterest. I love using natural dyes, but having a pot simmering in my warm house makes me avoid dyeing in the summer months.

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Watering Cans II
Watering Cans II

I really have enjoyed designing these, and will admit I have enjoyed using them too! My garden and house plants are well under way this season and I am excited to see if the watering cans can enhance my green thumb!

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Memorial Ashes Pitcher Set
Memorial Ashes Pitcher Set

I had proposed a project using human ashes in an urn project while in school, and a classmate had referred this person to me with interest in doing something similar.

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Watering Cans
Watering Cans

This series of watering cans began as an idea to create something that would challenge me formally. I had never tried making something with two handles, and a spout which all compete with each other for visual space…

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Rx Divider Set
Rx Divider Set

This set makes it the fanciest part of my day and celebrates the moment of pause and self-care that comes along with this ritual.

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What is Soda Firing?
What is Soda Firing?

This process involves a lot of extra steps while firing than using an electric kiln, which means they take much longer to create, but I love the outcome and the thrill it gives me!

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Details
Details

I find close intimate moments with pots fascinating, and the magic that happens when glaze interacts with decoration to be so alluring. Looking at these small moments of magic help me pause and stay in the moment.

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