the studio
Since 2019, Cindy Labrecque's studio has been located on 3rd avenue in Limoilou, Quebec. A vast and bright space which inspires the artist on a daily basis and which has allowed her to bring together all her activities under one roof.
It was important to her that her business remained on a human scale, and respected her own needs for space and time for creation and production. In order to continue to allocate the majority of her time to these activities, and avoid becoming solely a business manager, the decision to remain a small studio was obvious.
a small team
In addition to throwing and trimming, Cindy also takes care of administrative tasks, communications, planning and management of the studio, etc.
Her partner, François, has joined the small team part-time as a studio assistant since 2021, and is mainly responsible for packaging orders and applying decorations using decals. He also collaborates on research and various production-related tasks as needed.
We are happy to also be able to count on the occasional help of fellow ceramists in our various projects over the years.
The studio is a place for exchanges and creation.
the production
All our ceramics are made by hand, in our studio in Limoilou. Although the majority of our ceramics are wheel-thrown, some pieces are made by slip-casting (molding technique).
After being shaped on the wheel, or by molding, each piece is dried and then fired for the first time at around 1000 degrees Celsius. We then proceed with glazing, which is the application of glaze, a coating which gives each piece its finish and its color after firing, in addition to making the ceramics waterproof. The pieces are finally fired a second time to maturity (1200 degrees Celsius). All our firing are done in electric kilns, in oxidation.
In order to avoid accumulating inventories, most of our ceramics are made-to-order.
Our ceramics are dishwasher and microwave safe. However, we recommend hand-washing, as it is more delicate. Thermal shock should be avoided.
the collection
wildlife around us
The studio's most popular collection was launched in 2017.
This collection of utilitarian ceramics is a tribute to the beauty of Quebec wildlife. All illustrations are hand drawn, on paper, by Cindy. The images were then digitally processed to make decals (screen printed impressions which allow transfer to ceramic).
After the two usual firings, the last step consists of affixing the decals to the pieces, then annealing them a third time at low temperature.
This collection brings together two of the artist's passions: drawing and working with clay. It is also a way of expressing her love and respect for the nature that surrounds us, and therefore, of recalling the importance of protecting our environment to better preserve the biodiversity.
Each piece is accompanied by a small card containing some information and anecdotes about the corresponding animal. On the back of each piece is the print of the illustrated animal.
the collection
essentials
This collection presents ceramics with rounded shapes and satin glazes that evoke softness and simplicity. The results of constant research work, the chosen shades are inspired by the plant, animal and mineral world.
Born in 2018 from a desire to create a timeless and durable utilitarian ceramic, which can pass through the years without going out of fashion, with THE ESSENTIALS, we offer sober and classic tableware, proudly Quebecois, which matches any decor.
the collection
Vintage
This collection was born from the artist's love for second-hand goods, and her passion for the design of 20th century industrial objects. All original illustrations are handmade, on paper, by the artist. The images are then digitally processed to make decals, and a third firing is necessary to attach permanently the decorations to the pieces.
slowmade
To take the time necessary to create quality, durable pieces. Sell these creations at the right price, in order to offer a decent salary to their creators. Produce less, but better. This is how we aim for a more responsible and sustainable consumption model.
our values
AUTHENTICITY: our practice must be aligned with our deep convictions.
RESPECT: for oneself, for nature, and for others.
SIMPLICITY: a value which is reflected as much in our aesthetic as in our practical choices. It's a way of life: for us, less is more.
our mission
Create beautiful and useful handmade objects,
which are both local and sustainable.
The artisanal creation of everyday objects is our way of paying homage to the beauty of nature and simplicity.
We want to inspire to:
Consume less but better, and more locally;
Take the time to connect with nature, to oneself, and to others;
Celebrate the beauty of simple moments and things.
a sustainable
approach
Reducing our environmental footprint: this is our priority since 2023, and what we are working on everyday. Several changes have already been made inside the studio in order to reduce our wastes and our consumption of resources.
concrete actions
REFUSE
The use of polluting materials such as single-use plastics.
REDUCE
The quantity of materials and energy used by optimizing our processes.
REUSE
One of our strengths: we are proud to favor second hand whenever possible. For example, we give a second life to:
-The plastics used at the cleaner to package our pieces in production (plastics that would otherwise be thrown away);
-Plastic containers of all sorts;
-Our clay;
-Our glaze residues;
-Our water (for production);
-Our clay boxes for packaging.
Reusing allows us to divert a considerable quantity of materials from landfill. We are very happy to have created a first symbiosis with a printing company in Quebec City, which allows us to recover their end of rolls of paper that would otherwise be sent directly to recycling. We use this paper to package parts for online orders and for our points of sale.
RECYCLE
Everything we cannot reuse is recycled. We will begin a research and development project in 2024 to reintegrate our ceramic and plaster waste in our production.
GIVE BACK TO THE EARTH
And of course, we compost!
To find out more about the evolution of our sustainable approach, read our blog!
