b'Potato pottery made by Jillian Sareault. PHOTOS: JILLIAN SAREAULTThis Artist Hasan Eye for PotatoesA Manitoba-based artist gets a spud-tacular response to herpotato-inspired ceramics.BY: KARI BELANGERHOW MUCH MORE appealing is your morning cup of Joe when sippingThis past January, Sareault had a booth at MPPD where conference attend-it from a handcrafted potato mug? Considering the number of peopleees could purchase their own unique potato vessel, and her ceramics were picking up their own one-of-a-kind ceramic potato mugs at Manitoba Potatopresented to guest speakers once again. The mugs continue to be the most Production Days (MPPD) in Januarymuch more.popular item, she says. People like being able to hold them, and theyre func-Manitoba artist Jillian Sareault uses sculptural techniques to createtional. People were picking them up for themselves and for gifts. Other potato potato-like ceramic vessels, such as cups, bowls, large dishes, shot glassesindustry stakeholders continue to inquire about additional commissions. and, of course, mugs, which can be used every day.While creating potato ceramics is rewarding and the mugs in demand, To the touch, the outside of the vessels feel authenticlike a potatoSareault has also ventured into other vegetable as well as fruit crops, such just picked from the soil. Sareault spent months creating this finish. Ias eggplants, carrots, asparagus, strawberries and most citrus fruits. Shes had to find a way to create it without making it look fake. The trick wasalso just finished a fruit medley of cherries, Saskatoon berries, raspberries finding a second dark-brown clay body and layering it on top, so it stilland strawberries. And other grower associations are taking notice. Other had that gritty texture. Any other way and it was looking too smooth, shecorporations, like the Prairie Fruit Growers Association have ordered mugs and says. It took a bit of time to perfect that very real, gritty, dirt feeling on theMayfair Farms order strawberry mugs for gifts, she says. outside. People who fancy some fruit- and vegetable-inspired ceramics can also Sareault came up with the idea when her mother, MaryAnn Sareault, whovisit the Stoneware Gallery and other Winnipeg-based venues. All of this is a is the MPPD conference coordinator, was looking for unique gifts for guestdream come true for the artist. The fact that its happening and its growing speakers attending the annual conference in Brandon, Man.is, honestly, amazing. Its just so exciting.The first spud mugs made their debut at MPPD 2019 as gifts presented toThis spring and summer, Sareault says shell be working on creating stock guest speakers. Because they were such a huge hit, Sareault was invited tofor fall markets as well as looking for a larger studio space. bring her potato ceramics to the 103rd Potato Association of America AnnualI want to work with community engagement, such as teaching classes, Meeting at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg, Man., in July 2019.She was alsoand also having my own space where I can do that, she says. commissioned to create mugs for select delegates attending the conference,Currently, Sareault creates her art in the heart of potato countryPor-and one of the artists potato-shaped chip bowls was part of the eventstage la Prairie, Man. which is the perfect setting for her russet ceramics. silent auction.You can find her work at http://jilliansareaultceramics.ca. 38 SPUDSMART.COM SPRING 2020'