Daily Inspiration: Meet Edith Sevigny-Martel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edith Sevigny-Martel.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began working with clay in 2018 after signing up for an eight-week wheel-throwing class, a decision that coincided with the loss of my job in advertising. I found a sense of grounding and curiosity in the material that I hadn’t experienced before, and I never looked back. What began as a class quickly became a full-time practice.

Orders started coming in soon after, and during the pandemic I opened my own studio, allowing my practice to evolve. My work shifted toward large, sculptural vessels and a parallel fine art practice.

Over the years, I’ve presented my work at art fairs and design shows, collaborated with interior designers, architects, and photographers, and participated in creative residencies in New York City, Montreal, and Mexico City.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think every path comes with its own challenges. Starting a ceramics business with only six months of experience was, frankly, a bit insane. The upside of moving quickly is that the energy, and a certain amount of ignorance can get you off the ground fast.

One of my biggest challenges came just three months after opening my first studio, when the building shut down and all tenants were asked to leave within two weeks. Two months later, I found a much better space with a strong sense of community, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Another major hurdle was navigating the structural challenges of making large-scale work without formal training. For about a year, I was troubleshooting large vessel construction, with nearly 50% of my pieces cracking in the kiln. It was an extremely stressful period, but I learned an enormous amount through that process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in large vessels and sculpture. Most clients come to me for large pots that they can plant trees in. It’s really neat to see my work in commercial spaces and homes with large plants in them. Vessels are such a lovely form offering beauty and utility.

I’m still developing my fine arts practice. I work in series and themes, although the reflection on the work tends to come after its conception. For me, my work is a tool to understand myself better, and to understand what it means to be a woman living in the world now. I dive into concepts related to the monstrous feminine, female vulnerability, and duality. This body of work allows me to slow down and ask questions that don’t have immediate or practical answers.

How do you think about happiness?
Looking at the sky, french bistros with my friends and my cats!

Looking at the sky reminds me that I’m just a small part of a big universe. It’s always beautiful and it makes feel hopeful.

I’m French-Canadian, and nothing makes me happier than a steak-frites paired with a French wine and good company. Or a quick apéro to relax after a long day.

I have 2 Maine Coon cats (Lily and Brenda) and I adore them, they’re so cute.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.edithsevignymartel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edithsevignymartel/

Image Credits
Portrait – Julien Cadena
Floral Sculptures – Jenny Weitzman
Table – Clement Dietz
Tree 1 – Gabriel Boutin
Tree 2 – Fred Leblanc