Hay River (Sep 25/06) - For Hay River's Brandon Ashcroft, creating pottery is an artform he takes a lot of pride in.

Much more than a hobby, it's something he would like to do professionally in the future.

Brandon Ashcroft, a potter in Hay River, displays one of his favourite creations. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

For the moment, he calls it a side bet. "Even though it's a side bet, it's what's important to me."

However, Ashcroft admits his passion for ceramics is a bit unusual.

"It's not something that most 22-year-old men usually do," he said.

There's no doubting his love of the craft.

In fact, to hear him explain it, creating pottery sounds like a mystical experience.

When using a potter's wheel, an artist can't think of the past or the future, but must completely focus on the present, he said. "Otherwise, you're going to fail."

Ashcroft uses the power of the potter's wheel to create most of his work.

While the wheel and the wedge of clay spin, he uses his hands to shape the clay.

"It's like motion and stillness at the same time," he said.

And, the clay can't be forced into a certain shape, he added. "It's almost like coaxing the clay. You have to feel when it's right."

Ashcroft said he finds the whole experience very calming.

Born and raised in Hay River, he works in his One-Quarter Studios, when not at his day job as sales manager at the office supplies store Quick Print.

A lot of his time is spent in his small studio, surrounded by pottery, books and DVDs, he said. "It's my space and it's there for me to develop myself."

Ashcroft believes even an every-day item such as a coffee mug is more interesting when it is hand-made by a potter. "It becomes something special," he explained.

Ashcroft said he loves making mugs. "They're one of my favourite things."

Along with mugs, he also creates jars, bowls, tiles and vases.

These days, he makes about 100 pieces a year. Some are sold or given away, although he keeps the first version of everything.