Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident 2025
Coral Patola (she/they) is a POC artist working in ceramics. Living on the unceded territory of the Líl̓wat Nation, also known as Pemberton BC. Graduating in 2016 from Emily Carr University with a BFA and Major in Illustration, Patola focused her work by combining illustration and clay. Following their studies, Patola went on to develop a home-studio and start their small business, Piton Pottery. Continuing to work in utilitarian ceramics and sculpture, Patola has exhibited juried works throughout Canada and the USA.
Headshot Photo credit: Jackie Dives Photography
Based in a home studio north of Mount Currie, Coral Patola creates utilitarian pottery that is instilled with mindfulness and attention. Coral works predominantly on the potter’s wheel and the mixing of studio glazes to create pieces that have a gentle presence. Inspired by themes of nostalgia and textile crafts, Coral focuses on making simple yet detailed wares that evoke a sense of home. Focusing their work on functional and utilitarian pottery like kitchenware and tableware, Coral parallels their functional work with a sculptural, fine art practice.
The overarching theme of their work is the intention to instil mundane objects with mindfulness and attention. Creating utilitarian art that inspires people to slow down and appreciate the complexities and interconnectedness of ourselves and the outer world. Coral hopes to create modern heirlooms capturing the ephemeral presence of nostalgia.