Issey Roquet (she/her) discovered her love for craftsmanship early on from her mother’s upbringing and the objects she would collect and bring home — Miao textiles, Naxi indigenous paintings, hand carved wood sculptures, Chinese and South East Asian celadon ceramics, etc. Elegant and exceptionally crafted, they held the charm of being made by hands by common folk, becoming pieces of constant inspiration.

After 20 years in Asia, of French and Chinese origin, Issey is now based in Downtown Toronto. Following six years in animation, on the tail end of the pandemic, she delved into working with clay as a source of tactile and sensual inspiration, and as a way to connect to the earth.

Her work focuses on craft and timelessness — ceramics for living and aging with, of classic beauty for the modern era. Her approach combines her study of movement, the human figure, colour theory and references from art history — mixed with her East-meets-West culturally rich background.

Mostly thrown on the wheel, her pieces are designed and produced entirely by hand, and are intended for everyday use. Each piece is glazed with a custom mix of raw materials, from recipes she concocts herself.

Her work is made in the quietude of her home ceramic studio.
‍
In the name of responsible manufacturing, the pieces are made using clays extracted in the nearby regions of Northern Ontario.