Claymore Ceramics: Crafting Beauty and Connection Through Handmade Art | Written By: Camila C. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Sandra Sobolewski’s journey with Claymore Ceramics illustrates how passion, in addition to community support, can evolve from a simple hobby to a business. Having studied art and art history in university, Sandra has been surrounded by art her whole life. She made a career for herself as a teacher, although she felt she needed to find a better work-life balance about ten years ago, which is what brought her back to pottery, a craft she had always loved. As she continued creating more and more pieces, the business side flowed in organically. The name “Claymore Ceramics” is a clever play on Sandra’s heritage and the primary material she works with. Her husband came up with the name, inspired by the Scottish broadsword, the Claymore, and it perfectly encapsulates the essence of her business.
Sandra’s studio is in her home, where she carefully crafts each of her pieces. “Part of the reason we moved to Orangeville is because we fell in love with how artistic the town is,” says Sandra. “The art scene in Dufferin is actually quite vibrant, and it appealed to me on a very personal level.” This proved incredibly beneficial after her move, as that community embraced both her and her work.
Sandra also shared that the Museum of Dufferin recently approached her about a clay exhibit they are planning for 2025, another indication that her influence is growing within the local arts community. She stressed how grateful she is for the support of her community. “Without the support of our community, I wouldn’t have a business. They have been incredibly supportive of both my work and my pottery lessons,” she shares.
Sandra is quite active in community-based events too. She has taken part in the Empty Bowls initiative, making bowls to auction off in support of food banks and other food programs, as well as the Family Transition Place. Her commitment to giving back spills into everything she does.
When asked about what the most rewarding aspect of her business is she shares that it is in knowing that people have chosen her art to be part of their everyday lives. “The most amazing thing about this business to me is that people see value in something I’ve created,” she says. She holds dear the moments when customers do come back and tell her that the mug they bought from her is their favorite and that they use it every day.
With retirement from her teaching job on the horizon in about three years, Sandra is looking forward to dedicating even more time to her craft. She plans to participate in more shows and exhibits, and she’s always on the lookout for new projects.
Sandra Sobolewski’s story is a very beautiful example of how passion and creativity add up in the form of something special with the support of your community. Claymore Ceramics is not just a business; it’s a labor of love that brings just as much joy to the creator as to those who get to experience her art.