José Drouin

Born in Montréal, José Drouin settled in Saint-Modeste in the Lower St. Lawrence region in 1978. She opened her first pottery workshop and made bowls, pots, jugs and various utilitarian objects. In 1985, she moved to Mont-Saint-Hilaire. She attended a workshop conducted by Russell Kagan who initiated her to a new raku technique which reinforced her passion for this firing method.

“As a ceramist, I must struggle with many elements before obtaining an interesting piece. With the gas kiln as well as with the raku one, I take much pleasure at mastering chance and the uncontrollable. I love surprises and the unexpected is what fascinates me. When I place pieces into the kiln, I imagine the best for each of them; that is the final test. Sometimes it’s pure joy, sometimes it’s a disappointment. Humility and perseverance are my best allies in this quest. Even after 30 years at this work, I still have uncertainties and challenges. What dominates is the passion for a craft which is at once time complex and stimulating.”