Claytek Studios

I have been working in ceramics as a hobby my whole life, but never before have I felt put off and unwelcome in a studio. I am new to Vancouver and was excited to see a studio so close to my Chinatown apartment. when I walked by and saw that they were not busy, only two people on the wheels, I inquired about a membership. unfortunately I ended up leaving fairly quickly when the woman on staff was quite rude.
I don’t know her name, but she had gray hair and glasses wire rimmed topped with a broad multicolored band. She seemed entirely uninterested in giving me any information about the studio except that there was a long wait list for membership. It was clear that she would have preferred if I just left the studio and not bothered her. (so much for the «welcome, come in» sign out front…) I asked her how long the wait list was, but Instead of answering she started interrogation me about my experience in clay. yes, she should ask me questions about my experience, but it should not make me feel like I am some low level scumbag, generally I love talking about ceramics, but at this moment I felt like I needed to defend my experience.
I didn’t get very far in my «defense» because the phone rang and the woman took the call without apology. I walked out then, not worth my time. I work in customer service and the goal is always to make the customer happy. It feels bad to now have that level of service returned to me.

I’m currently taking a pottery class with Darin and really enjoying it! I’ve taken 3 pottery classes prior to this but not on a regular basis — each time I feel like a beginner!
darin has been really patient with everyone in the class and has taught me a few things that have really improved my ability on the wheel.
The studio is also extremely well-​maintained and organized — a pleasure to «play» in!
The studio is also a shop and there are some really fantastic pieces here that are ver well-​priced in comparison to the shops I’ve seen on Granville Island.