Candace Webb : Kiln 9 Ceramics

 

Hello, my name is Candace Webb, and I am the creative force behind Kiln 9 Ceramics.
For me, every piece I create is driven by a profound belief that art must be executed with passion, authenticity, care, and love—anything less simply does not resonate.

Foundations of Craftsmanship

My journey in the world of ceramics spans over 20 years, a path that has been shaped by both formal education and invaluable mentorship. I’ve studied ceramics at two esteemed Canadian universities and had the privilege of apprenticing with two master potters before launching my own practice. The core influence behind my work lies in West Coast Leach pottery, which was introduced to me by renowned British Columbia potters Sam Kwan and Vincent Massey, whose impact on my craft has been immeasurable.
Growing up, I spent countless summers at my uncle’s hand-built geodesic dome on Hornby Island. It was there that I was unknowingly immersed in the world of ceramics. The work of Hornby Island potters Wayne Ngan, Heinz Laffin, and Gerhard Kozel was an integral part of our everyday life. Our family shared countless meals served in these pots, which, in retrospect, played a significant role in shaping my future as an artist. These vessels were not mere objects; they were part of the living tradition of craftsmanship that subtly wove itself into my DNA.

Discovering Ceramics

Though my artistic inclinations were always evident, it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I found my true calling. My career initially began at Arc’teryx Equipment Inc., where I balanced outdoor pursuits like skiing, downhill mountain biking, and rock climbing with my professional responsibilities. My fascination with the graphics on skis and snowboards sparked an interest in exploring whether art could sustain me financially. In 2002, I enrolled in Capilano College’s Studio Art Program, intending to build a portfolio for graphic design school. However, my trajectory shifted during a ceramics class taught by Sam Kwan, where I experienced a profound realization that ceramics was my true passion.

Mentorship and Growth

Following graduation, I apprenticed with Master Potter Vincent Massey in Whistler, BC, refining my skills several days a week while working as a Nordic ski instructor in winter and a mountain bike coach in summer. Vincent’s mentorship, rooted in his training with legendary potters such as Michael Cardew, David Leach, and Wayne Ngan, left a lasting impact on my technique and artistic approach.
In 2010, I pursued further education at the Alberta College of Art and Design, though I soon realized the program did not align with my artistic goals. Recognizing the importance of business knowledge, I shifted my focus to studying entrepreneurship—a decision that has since supported the growth of my creative practice.

Exploration and Evolution

Later that year, I moved to Fernie, BC, working as a professional mountain bike coach for Sacred Rides and Trek Dirt Series, traveling extensively across Canada and the United States. Despite my demanding schedule, my dedication to ceramics remained unwavering. Eventually, I returned to Canmore, Alberta, where I balanced studying business with part-time work at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and apprenticing with John and Katie Borrowman of Of Cabbages and Kings Pottery. This period allowed me to deepen my exploration of the synergy between creativity, functionality, and business acumen.
My passion for British Columbia’s exceptional outdoor recreational lifestyle eventually brought me to the Okanagan Valley, a region also well celebrated for its vibrant farm-to-table culture. This environment inspired a focus on functional, food-centric ceramics—pieces designed to harmonize utility and aesthetics.

Founding Kiln 9 Ceramics

In 2016, I was fortunate to acquire equipment from a closing community ceramics studio, which allowed me to set up my own space and begin developing my clays and glazes. This marked the beginning of Kiln 9 Ceramics and the foundation of a practice that continues to grow and evolve.
The name "Kiln 9 Ceramics" is a tribute to the sacred interplay of elements, the universal language of numbers, and the timeless art of pottery. Each piece crafted in the kiln is a reflection of these connections, carrying the spirit of completion, harmony, and creativity into the world. It symbolizes a holistic creative process rooted in transformation, balance, and universal harmony. The kiln, as a vessel of fire, embodies the culmination of the ceramic process—where raw earth, shaped by water and air, is permanently transformed into something both functional and beautiful.
The number 9 amplifies this meaning, reminding us of the cycles of creation and completion, the interconnectedness of all things, and the infinite possibilities inherent in the artistic process.

Contemporary Practice and Vision

Today, my work is deeply influenced by the legacy of both past and contemporary masters. In addition to the foundational impact of my earlier influences, I draw ongoing inspiration from potters such as Lisa Hammond, Hayashi Kaku, Yoshimi Futamura, and Fujikasa Satoko. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of ceramics, both technically and artistically, fuels my commitment to blending tradition with innovation in my own craft. These influences are reflected in the forms, textures, and glazes I develop, creating ceramics that honour the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
Since then, Kiln 9 has grown into a thriving practice, producing thousands of ceramic pieces that have graced the tables of high-end restaurants and boutiques. My work has been featured in both local and international publications, and my ceramics have won gold at competitive culinary championships. I have taught numerous workshops, from private sessions to community classes, driven by my passion for ceramics and my desire to share this craft with others.

A Commitment to Everyday Art

I view my ceramics as vessels of daily life—pieces designed to be used, cherished, and passed down through generations. Balancing durability with timeless elegance, they are designed to elevate the way people eat, live, and connect, enriching the small rituals that bring joy to our days.
I hope my work brings as much inspiration to your life as it has to mine.

Candace

 

 

 

Land Acknowledgement - Kiln 9 Ceramics respects and honours that we live, create, work and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx nation.