Quebec ceramists offer us original pieces of exceptional quality. Their shapes, glazes, craftsmanship, and firing techniques give each piece a unique character, making them works of art in their own right. Rarely will you find two identical pieces; in fact, this is what makes them so interesting and sought after.
Over the years, we have developed partnerships with various local ceramists who are committed to the quality of their products. They do not use any heavy metals in their glazes, which are fired at high temperatures (over 1200 degrees Celsius) to create a safe and durable finish.
Here is the third installment in our series of portraits of Quebec ceramists.
With over ten years of experience in the visual arts, Olivier Charbonneau has found in ceramics a natural continuation of his artistic practice. A passionate self-taught artist, he explores clay as an authentic language, a way to unite creative gesture with everyday use.
His work is driven by a singular quest: to create simple, sensitive objects capable of accompanying our most ordinary moments—those times when we pause to breathe, enjoy a cup of tea, and slow down.
The world of tea holds a central place in Olivier Charbonneau’s artistic practice. Over the years, he has immersed himself in this ancestral art and embraced its philosophy: respect for the gesture, attention to detail, and finding beauty in slowness. His creations, designed to last, accompany everyday life with elegant simplicity.
Entering his Montreal studio, we are delighted to discover a multitude of cups, tea bowls (chawan), kyusu, and other utilitarian pieces inspired by the tea ritual. More than just a studio, it feels like visiting an exhibition; the pieces are carefully arranged and displayed, truly highlighted. Our eyes are drawn to the shelves showcasing chawan at various stages of production. It becomes clear how much work goes into creating a piece—not perfect, but fully realized.
His approach is based on a clear, organic aesthetic, where each material tells a story. Olivier Charbonneau develops his own glazes from local maple wood ashes, giving his pieces unique and vibrant tones.
Some of his cups and bowls are adorned with a brushstroke of oxide applied with a straw brush before being dipped in glaze, creating a visual signature that is both subtle and poetic.
Each creation reflects a deep respect for nature and the rhythm of the elements.
Olivier Charbonneau’s creations go beyond mere beauty—they invite a moment of encounter. His work fosters a delicate dialogue between the object and its user, between the material and the lived experience.
Wheel-thrown in stoneware and fired in an electric kiln, each piece balances function with poetry, structure with softness. They evoke a free, imperfect nature and celebrate the art of everyday life, where every gesture carries meaning.
Beyond technique, Olivier Charbonneau’s approach reflects a philosophy: slow down, observe, and fully inhabit the moment. His creations do not seek perfection, but rather a sense of rightness, revealed in the simplicity of a well-thrown cup or the glow of a unique glaze.
Each piece is an invitation to experience everyday life differently, to rediscover the time for gesture and contemplation.
Boutique : 4611, Wellington Street, Montreal, Verdun borough
Studio : Montreal, Québec
Pieces : cups, bowls, tea jars, kyūsu teapots
Techniques : wheel-thrown stoneware, maple-wood-ash glazes, electric firing
Style : minimalist, poetic, inspired by nature and the tea ritual
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