Finding Your Voice Mentorship
Virtual Ceramic Mentorship Program with Naomi Clement
Applications Now Open!
Applications Close Dec. 11th, 2024, 11:59 pm EST
In this program, we focus on the “why” behind your work—guiding you in developing ideas and content that feel true to you. While we won’t be diving into technical skills, we’ll work together on sharpening your ability to discuss, observe, and evolve your work in meaningful ways.
The group is kept intentionally small to create a warm, supportive space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and giving/receiving honest feedback. You’ll be part of a close-knit community; one that values open dialogue, thoughtful critique, and mutual growth.
As we move through the program, you’ll receive a mix of assignments tailored to your goals, from written reflections to creative prompts. These exercises are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow in relevant and inspiring ways.
If you’re ready to show up with an open mind, connect with a group of dedicated makers, and commit to pushing your work forward, this program could be a great fit for you!
Together, we’ll build trust, embrace vulnerability, and create art that feels genuine.
What The Program Includes
- 5 virtual guided group sessions of approximately 3.5 hrs each, centred around specific topics and themes, with corresponding assignments and readings.
- 5 virtual group "check-in" sessions, of approximately 1 hour each (these will be scheduled once the program starts and are not mandatory).
- 5 personal 1:1 sessions with Naomi of approximately 45 min each.
- Access to a private Facebook group discussion forum to share work and respond to prompts and feedback.
- 1 virtual guest artist talk/visit.
Have questions? I'm hosting a free Q&A about the program on Dec. 4th.
Register for the Dec. 4th Q&A now
The replay will be available for one-week!
Program Details:
Program Length: 5 months
Class Size: 10 - 12 Students max.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Canadians: there will be an option to pay via e-transfer in Canadian funds. Please email Naomi to ask for the details.
Type of Work: This program welcomes ceramic artists who make any type of work across the full spectrum, from functional, to sculptural.
Application Deadline: Applications are Due December 11th, by 11:59 pm EST.
*Note: There is one scholarship position available with a reduced course fee of $900. This will be awarded based on financial need, with priority given to those from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. If you would like to apply for this scholarship, please include a brief outline of your situation and how the scholarship would help.
What people are saying:
"I'm so grateful for the breadth of concepts covered in the program, I felt invigorated by the thinking and writing and conversations with people going through the same thing. I feel like the resources and practices introduced will be ones I will revisit regularly and carry with me for the rest of my ceramics career. Thank you so much for your generosity, Naomi. You've created a beautiful space for folks to comfortably dive into deeper meaning." Hillary Eden, 2024 Participant
"I was at a point in my artwork where I felt stuck, bored, and unsure of myself as an artist when I started my mentorship with Naomi. Through one-on-one and group critiques, monthly challenges, and the camaraderie that comes with being in a community of like-minded artists, I quickly found a path towards my artistic voice. I highly recommend this program to any artist who’s curious about developing their style or who also feels stuck in their process. It was truly a turning point in my career: one that boosted my confidence and reignited my passion for ceramics." Janna DeWan, 2021 Participant
"This mentorship program was instrumental in helping me move my work forward while remaining true to my own underlying voice.Naomi brings fun energy to the conversation and is unfailingly observant, thoughtful, and kind. Her observations and critiques are spot on; the scope of her knowledge on both aesthetic and technical aspects of clay as well as the community of clay artists is impressive." Karen Abel, 2021 Participant
Visit the gallery of past student work.
Who this program is for
- Artists who have been working in clay for several years (a minimum of 2-3), who have competent skills with the material, and who have ready access to a ceramic studio and kiln.
- Artists who are actively looking to explore a new direction with their work, and/or delve deeper into their work conceptually.
- Artists who are eager for critical feedback on their current work, and who want to discuss their ideas and methods with a community of like-minded makers.
- Artists who are willing and eager to participate in open group critiques and dialogue about contemporary ceramics.
- Artists who are willing to put in the work. My job is to coach and guide, but as with all things in life: "you get out what you put in".
- Artists who are willing to commit dedicated time to pursuing their studio work and class exercises for the duration of the program, and who will agree to work a minimum of 5 hours per week in their studio.
Note: This program is not for people who are looking for technical advice and skill building, as sessions are not demonstration based.
This program is also not intended for people who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, or who have graduated in the last 12 months.
Topics Covered Include (but are not limited to)
- Establishing goals for your work and for yourself
- Different ways to help you hone in on your artistic voice and vision
- Strategies for critiquing your own work
- Writing artist statements
- What are your influences as an artist and how do you feed your artistic “well”
2025 Dates
Selected participants must be able to commit to attending all group sessions, which will be held virtually over zoom on the following dates:
Jan. 11, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Feb. 8, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Mar. 8, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Apr. 12, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
May 10, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Note that no make-up classes for group sessions will be possible.
To Apply
1. Prepare a single PDF that includes:
- 10 images of your current work and corresponding image list with dates, dimensions, and materials
- Statement of Intent about your background in clay, why you want to take this program, and what specific goals you have for it. Maximum of 500 words.
- Artist Statement
- Current CV
- If you are applying for the scholarship position, please write a brief paragraph of how this scholarship would help you.
2. Fill out the application form below with attached PDF document.
FYV 2025 Mentorship Application Form
The Finding Your Voice Mentorship Program came at a time where I truly needed it most. I had been making the same body of work since college and though it had improved over time, I felt it had run its course, and I was struggling with where to go next. The exercises, resources, and group feedback that the program provided were essential in helping me to find my way. I felt like I had permission to explore and play and find out how to express my current self in my work.
Sarah German, 2021 Participant
Class Policy
This program aims to be a safe and welcoming space to artists of all backgrounds, persuasions, and creative interests. As such, there will be a zero-tolerance policy towards any participant who displays bullying, non-inclusive, racist language or behaviour, or who in any way disrespects or threatens the work of this program, its participants, and/or its instructor. Any participant deemed by the instructor to be in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the program immediately. No refunds will be given.
About The Instructor
Hi, I’m Naomi Clement, I’m a ceramic artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been working in clay for over 22 years, and I’ve taught workshops and exhibited my work all across Canada and the US. I have my BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, and my MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University.
Today I am well known for my elegant hand-built forms and the rich and layered surfaces on my pots. I was a thrower for many years, but switched to hand-building a few years ago now and have never looked back! At first I was intimidated by hand-building functional work—I thought it meant I wouldn’t be able to get consistent forms or that it would take forever to get a single pot. But I loved the new world of form and texture that opened up to me when I started hand-building my pots. Sure, it did take a bit longer, but ultimately I was way happier with the end results. Plus, slab-building my pots means I get to add lots of yummy texture to them which contributes to my signature layered surfaces. Hand-building opened up a whole new way of thinking about and decorating my work, and I’ve never looked back.
I created this workshop to share some of the basic strategies that have worked for me, and help you learn how to create your own unique pots!
" Naomi has such a relaxed and down-to-earth approach to teaching and is VERY generous with all she share. Love her workshops! I have attended two so far and look forward to more. Naomi is an EXCELLENT teacher! I've learned so much from her! "
" Naomi is clear, concise, and very willing to answer all questions during the demo. I've asked Naomi questions post-workshop and she is incredibly responsive and kind. I really hope one day to take an in-person workshop from Naomi, but for now I will settle for online and look forward to more..."
“ I have taken two workshops with Naomi and I learned so much at both! She is so patient and open with information and tips, which makes her so approachable for students and people learning. After those two workshops I would definitely take another workshop with Naomi! ”
“ I took your surface decoration workshop awhile back and just wanted to thank you!! I’ve been stuck on a project for too long—your workshop was very inspiring and really helped me focus on simplifying my idea. ”
" I've taken 3 virtual workshops so far from Naomi Clement, and each one gives me such inspiration! I find myself watching more than once, taking copious notes, and so totally engaged that I'm amazed 2 hours can go by so quickly! "
“ Great workshop again today. It was just what I needed. I'm motivated to get in the studio and dive in again – thank you! ”
