Chinook’s Edge teacher Renu Mathew fires up excitement for pottery on national TV show

“Working with clay is always humbling. No matter how good you are, there are often technical issues. But just learning from everyone around you is what makes it so good.”

Mathew said her appearance on the show started with an interest in a similar series on British television.

“It’s a great show. During the pandemic I was able to use it to help students learn about ceramics,” she said. “And then when I saw the announcement for a Canadian version of the show I just knew I had to apply.”

Mathew says her students are also beneficiaries of the experience, as she has incorporated what she learned into her classes.

“When you are with a community of others who are doing what you do, it definitely helps. It was wonderful to be around artists who all work with clay. Learning new techniques from them has definitely upped my game.”

Also, as a result of her experience on the show, officials note that Mathew has been invited by other participants to travel to New Brunswick in the summer of 2024, to be an artist in residence.

Chinook’s Edge officials point out that this is the second television show Mathew has appeared on. Mathew was a contestant on the Food Network’s Great Chocolate Showdown in 2020. Mathew teaches a chocolate class at Olds High, as well as ceramics, art, and cosmetology.

“Using my hands to do anything artistic and expressive is what I love to do,” she said.

Mathew is said to have tried ceramics for the first time as a high school student.

“My first experience with clay was in an art class. Going on the wheel for the first time was really therapeutic. Then I tried plaster sculpture and was surprised I could do it. I knew I was good at painting, but in high school I discovered I can do sculpting too. I’ve loved it ever since.”

Mathew is excited to see interest in pottery growing. Chinook’s Edge officials say she started offering ceramics at Olds High in 2014, in a combined class with art. Last year there was enough interest for the school to separate ceramics into its own classes at the Grades 10, 11 and 12 level.

There is also an after school ceramics club offered for students that can’t fit it into their schedule.

“My cousin told me about this class,” said Carly Mix, a Grade 10 Olds High student. “She said it was amazing so I wanted to try it for myself. It’s been really good. I love that I have it first thing in the morning. It’s relaxing and a good way to start my day.”

Mix said she’s excited to know her teacher is on the CBC’s upcoming show.

“That’s really cool,” said Mix. “I’ve never known someone on television before. I can tell people my teacher is on that show! And, it also means my teacher is really good at what she does – if she’s on tv for that.”

Principal Meaghan Reist said, “Ecole Olds High School staff and students are proud to call Ms. Mathew our own, and we are incredibly excited to watch her on The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown! Her participation on the show is a true testament to her skill as a ceramic artist. Olds High students are blessed to learn and benefit from her many skills, including the learning she has now gained from the show. Her Olds High school and community cannot wait to watch and cheer her on together.”

There is a ‘watch party’ at Olds High scheduled for February 8 when the first episode airs.

Here’s a link to a preview of the Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPnA8

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by rdnewsNOW staff

Chinook’s Edge teacher Renu Mathew fires up excitement for pottery on national TV show

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