Mary Cousens
When Mary wakes up, she thinks… “let’s get (my hands) dirty”! Playing with clay is a daily passion for Mary, a retired Arts educator and elementary school Principal, who has always enjoyed an appetite for the Arts. Mary’s love for pottery began when she helped a friend move homes and she was honoured with unpacking a massive set of ceramic dishes; during this process Mary noticed all the intricacies that go into working with pottery and Mary decided she wanted to make her own set of dishes. To realize this dream, Mary began “throwing clay” at The Village Pottery in Markham. She loved the learning and wished she could do more but as it happens, life got in the way and this dream was put on hold for a number of years to focus on her career and family. Mary has picked back up with studies at the Pine Tree Potter’s Guild, taking classes with PTP instructors Linda Lapone, Linda Szoldatits, Cathy Harris, Sheena Griffith, and Teresa Dunlop.
Growing up in Markham, and starting her family in Newmarket while working at the York Region District School Board, Mary is now residing on the beautiful shores of Lake Simcoe. Mary’s Sunset View Pottery is aptly named for the stunning sunsets she sees from her living-room each night. She lives there with her husband, teenage daughter, two dogs and her bees. You’ll notice that her maker-mark has a honey-bee, bringing together her two passions.
Mary creates functional and decorative pieces by combining her love for throwing on a wheel and hand-building pieces. Mary has been commissioned to create pieces by many who adore her work found at markets including Cannington & Georgina Horticultural societies Seedy Saturday, On the Ridge Christmas Market, Welder’s Wife markets, Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival and others. The PTP Spring Sale 2025 will be the first time Mary is selling her work at an event she has attended annually for many years. Sunset View Pottery is also sold at Blooms on the Go (flower shop) in Beaverton, where she now lives. The Great Canadian Art Machine also offers miniatures of her work which is found at Shirley’s Country Clutter in Beaverton. Mary hopes others will appreciate her use of nature, exciting colour palette and unique creativity in her pieces.
Mary was accepted into the Pine Tree Potter’s Guild in January 2025 as a studio member where she is excited to work alongside great potters further inspiring her and continuing her lifelong learning of working with clay so that one day she can create that set of dishes for herself.
Facebook: Sunset.View.Pottery
Email: sunsetviewpottery@icloud.com
