3rd-Year IDEA School of Design Students Explore Pottery in East Vancouver
In February 2025, CapU's third-year IDEA School of Design's Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication students who did not go on the San Francisco field trip had the opportunity to participate in a series of local field trips in Vancouver. One of the highlights was a hands-on pottery workshop at Studio Fundamentals in East Vancouver, led by IDEA School of Design instructor Sepideh Torabi. This immersive experience allowed students to step away from their screens and engage with the tactile, meditative process of working with clay. From learning the basics of wheel-throwing to experimenting with hand-building techniques, the workshop was a chance to explore a new medium and connect with the rich tradition of ceramics.
Check out some photo highlights from this field trip and read Sepideh Torabi's reflections below!
“A Rewarding Pottery Studio Visit” by Sepideh Torabi
Visiting the Pottery Studio Fundamentals with CapU students from the IDEA School of Design was an incredibly rewarding experience. From the moment we stepped inside, the scent of clay and the hum of creativity filled the air, setting the perfect atmosphere for exploration and learning.
Instantly, we became engaged with the material—feeling the cool, malleable clay in our hands and experimenting with different techniques—which was both exciting and inspiring. At first, we were hesitant and unsure of how to shape the material, but with guidance from the studio's skilled creative director, May Ann, we quickly found peace with the wheels and the clay. It was fascinating to see how much detail, attention, and precision go into the process.
Beyond technique, the experience deepened our appreciation for craftsmanship and patience. We discovered the joy of making mistakes and embraced the idea that starting over, refining, and adapting is okay until a design truly comes to life. By the end of the visit, our hands were dusted with clay, but our minds were filled with inspiration. I could see the impact on all of us—a newfound respect for the art of pottery and a reminder that creativity is as much about the journey as it is about the final product.
A special thanks to Chelsea Bell Eady, the Co-Coordinator and Instructor of the IDEA School of Design's Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program, for the arrangements made.
Last but not least, thanks to Studio Fundamentals for giving us this opportunity.
“We are a pottery studio located in 510 Clark Drive, in East Vancouver. Founded in 2017 by May Ann Villanueva, a Filipino immigrant with a background in communication design. The studio stem from her desire to live creatively, share skills, and form a bonded community.”
Photos by Apsara Coeffic-Neou
