The common sentiment "Trinis are like salt, they’re in everything" was proved again this year when Trinidadian born-and-raised ceramic artist Thomas Haskell appeared in the first season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down on the Canadian Broadcasting Network (CBC).
Haskell’s work on the show was heavily influenced by his Trini roots.
Haskell, 35, grew up in Diego Martin, and got his undergraduate degree in fine arts at York University in Toronto, Canada, followed by a masters in fine arts from OCAD University, also in Toronto.
He moved to Toronto in 2018, but said his heart will always remain at home.
Speaking to Newsday via e-mail, Haskell said he had always been attracted to working to clay.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve had my hands in clay, making figures, animals, creatures. It’s always been present in my life.
"Teaching ceramics came after my undergrad, and I started teaching at different studios around Toronto.
"I currently manage and teach at a studio in Toronto called Create Art Studio on the Danforth (Avenue)."
[caption id="attachment_1075946" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down - Group Photo - Erich Saide[/caption]
The CBC introduction to the show said Haskell is a self-taught potter with 11 years of experience, which he puts into practice as the manager and teacher at Create Art Studio.
“His ultimate goal is to have his work showcased in museums and to share a realistic perspective on the Caribbean and its stories through his ceramic pieces.”
The show began airing on February 8, with the finale on Thursday. The show comprised eight hour-long episodes during which the potters were asked to create objects that included table lamps, fountains, and dinnerware for a nine-course tasting menu.
These were for two challenges, which were critiqued and rated by the two resident pottery expert judges. Once the judges had assessed the work, a potter was selected to leave the competition and another potter was named Potter of the Week and have their piece placed in the exclusive Throw Down Gallery.
Haskell said he had seen ads for the show circulating and friends and family urged him to apply by .
“It seemed like a shot worth taking. After several rounds of interviews, I was picked, which felt like such a surreal moment.
[caption id="attachment_1075948" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Thomas Haskell works on a fountain based on Mama D'Lo on the Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown - Erich Saide[/caption]
“There were so many highs in the show – most of the show was a high, if I’m being completely honest. I adored my main challenge makes, even though I did not do well in the mini challenges.
"The highest point was definitely winning the dinnerware set. It was the challenge I was most excited for, and the second win I had in a row.
"The lowest points came near the end: we had tragedy after tragedy in my family. It certainly added an emotional challenge to the rest of the show.”
Haskell drew inspiration from Trinidad and Tobago’s folklore and Ca
