A teacher from Olds is making a name for herself as a competition show star after an appearance on The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down.
Renu Mathew teaches art, ceramics, cosmetology and edible arts at Olds High School and is appearing on the CBC show during an eight-week run that began on Feb. 8. Each episode features two challenges that are critiqued and rated by expert judges. At the end of each episode, one contestant is named potter of the week and another is selected to leave the competition. Only three make it to the finale, with one taking home the championship trophy.
“The best part of the experience for me was 100 per cent the connections,” Mathew said. “To be a potter you have to be pretty used to failure and being humble. Going in, [I felt] those are going to be the kind of people I can relate to. I was right.”
Televised competition is not new to Mathew. In 2020 she made it all the way to the finale of the Food Network’s Great Chocolate Showdown. She said her most recent experience was more enjoyable, as the absence of a cash prize made it collaborative rather than competitive.
“I did not feel stressed, it was like a holiday compared to the Great Chocolate Showdown,” Mathew said. “Being a teacher in that environment was really satisfying and lovely and helped me connect with the other potters.”
Because the show is in the midst of its run, Mathew isn’t allowed to reveal the results. New episodes are available for viewing every Thursday.
Long-time passion
Mathew discovered a love for ceramics under the guidance of an amazing teacher while attending high school in Fort McMurray. She went on to specialize in sculpture while earning a bachelor of fine arts degree. After earning an education degree, she continued pursuing her passion for sculpture, working with clay and inspiring the next generation of artists.
During the pandemic, Mathew discovered the UK version of The Great Pottery Throwdown, a show that became a lifeline for her. This newfound inspiration, coupled with her experience on the Great Chocolate Showdown, led her to apply for the Canadian edition of the pottery competition.
To celebrate the first episode, which paid tribute to the contestants’ hometowns, Renu hosted a community watch party for Olds.
“We had 150 people attend, students did demos, kids tried it out, people were selling their ceramics,” she said.
There are plans to have a watch party every Thursday during the show’s run. Mathew’s appearance on the show has led to minor celebrity status around town.
“In Olds, I get recognized,” Mathew said. “It’s so nice, and it’s fun. It’s a cute feeling.”
The connections Mathew made on the show even prompted an opportunity for her to work on ceramic sculptures at an art centre in Moncton during the summer. She said her experience is a reminder to everyone to embrace their authentic self and follow their passions.
“Take a chance, why not?” she said. “Life is short—that’s how I live.” ❚
