Oliver Kaddatz was born
in Edmonton, Alberta in 1970, raised in Devon, and moved to Vancouver, B.C.
in 1986. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology at the
University of British Columbia in 1993 and then spent six months travelling
in Australia and New Zealand before moving to Ottawa, Ontario in 1994.
With no formal training in the arts, Oliver first discovered pottery in 1995 when he signed up for an evening class with instructor Neila Peach. Immediately inspired in the craft, he continued to take evening classes throughout the following year.
Having attained a Diploma in Digital Electronics while in Ottawa, Oliver moved home to British Columbia in late 1996 and worked in Information Technology while continuing to pursue pottery as a hobby only. In 1998, Oliver finally traded in his office job for space in an artists’ studio in East Vancouver.
In 2001 and 2002, Oliver built his own pottery studio on the property in North Delta, B.C., where he now lives with his wife Jennifer.
Since his arrival back in British Columbia, Oliver has taken courses and workshops with potters including Robin Hopper, Robert Weghsteen, Les Manning, John Calver, Vincent Massey, Gordon Hutchens and Sandra Dolph.
Oliver uses a combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to
create high-fire (Cone 9-10) stoneware pieces that are both charming and functional.
All of Oliver’s pieces are food-safe – his art is intended to be
used and enjoyed.