a little bit about us
Studio Fundamentals was started by May Ann—a potter who thought she was just signing up for a hobby and accidentally built a whole universe of clay, community, and kiln panic. What began with a few wheels and some folding tables has turned into a full-blown studio with students, members, pop-up sales, glaze tests gone rogue, and more recycled clay than she ever dreamed of.
This place is for people who want to actually learn pottery. Not just vibe with the wheel (although we respect the vibe), but really put in the hours—because let’s be honest: clay is a diva. It will humble you. Your first bowl might be ugly. Your tenth might crack in the kiln. But if you stick with it? If you lean in, show up, ask the annoying questions, and remake that form for the fifth time? That’s where it clicks. That’s where the magic is.
We’re obsessed with teaching the fundamentals properly—because good technique gives you freedom. Once you know the rules, you can break them. And yell about it. And maybe start a glaze journal.
Our team is a mix of instructors, techs, and one emotionally volatile dog named Bobby who barks like she’s the studio manager (she kind of is). We teach, we clean, we troubleshoot mystery glaze explosions, and we’re deeply proud of every slightly-wonky mug that came from someone finally getting the hang of it.
We’re not fancy. We’re not precious. We’re just a bunch of clay nerds.
the dream team
These are the people who’ll gently bully you into good technique and make sure the kiln doesn't overfire.
MAY-ANN
FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chaotic storyteller, relentless fundamentals coach — somehow it works.
BOBBY
MASCOT
Loud at the door, soft at the core. She’s the emotional support gremlin we didn’t know we needed.
sarah
INSTRUCTOR
Calm, tuned-in, and not one to let you skip a step — firm but always fair.
yasmin
INSTRUCTOR
Your personal hype squad in human form — all sunshine, no shade.
Frequently asked questions
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Studio Fundamentals' classes are taught by a team of experienced ceramic instructors in Vancouver, each bringing their own background and technique specialties in wheel throwing and hand building techniques.
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Studio Fundamentals emphasizes hands-on, technique-focused instructions, step-by-step guidance through centering, shaping, glazing, and firing, with an emphasis on process and skill-building over rushing to a finished piece.
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Yes — instructors are experienced working with first-time students and structure each class to build confidence gradually, with no prior pottery experience required.
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Studio Fundamentals is known for its small class sizes, patient instructors, and a laid-back studio atmosphere — dog-friendly, community-driven, and built for students to learn at their own pace without pressure.
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Browse the classes listed on the website under workshops. You can register and reserve your spot directly online. For any questions before booking, reach out at hello@studiofundamentals.com or call 604-340-6383 (9am–5pm).