Best Kind Mud Shop
Lisa Batten, Owner
Lisa was born and raised in Newfoundland but now lives in Three Fathom Harbour with her husband and dogs. Lisa has a PhD in psychology and over 20 years of clinical research experience studying interventions for depression, PTSD, and ADHD. None of this helps her throw, but it does create a pretty decent space for trauma dumping.
Lisa fell in love with pottery a few years ago and has gone ahead and made it her whole identity. Her favorite thing to make is anything with a rat's tail or a butt.
Instagram: @Lisa_is_really_cool
Email: lisa@bestkindmudshop.com
Website: www.lisabatten.com
Reuben, Human Resources/Head of Security
Reuben has previously worked as a "psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy assistant dog" which primarily means he cuddled patients after they completed their therapies. He doesn't have any formal training in retail or otherwise, but is willing to do pretty much any task for a treat. His only pottery piece so far is the paw print on his shop bowl. He doesn't like eye contact and he will yell at you.
Meet the Team
Head Instructor
Elsa Brittin
Elsa Brittin is an emerging ceramic artist working out of her studio in Head of Jeddore, Nova Scotia. She has been passionate about visual aesthetics from a young age, where she began by assembling collected items into pieces of art. She followed this passion through secondary and post secondary visual art programs in the form of sculptural ceramics, and has now been teaching professionally for the past 8 years in bothprivate studios and non-profit institutions. A graduate of NSCAD University with a BFA in Ceramics, Elsa worked as an instructor and studio technician at the Dundas Valley School of Art as well as at Creative Insight Pottery as an instructor. Her previous role as Public Programs Manager at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery helped to strengthen her bonds and understanding to the rich history of ceramics and helped her teaching practice grow as a whole.
Having been featured in exhibitions nationally, Elsa aims to incorporate dynamic lines and form, exploring the relationship between function and sculpture. Her work often features playful sculptures as well as more traditional functional forms.
Instagram: @Elsabrittin
Instructor
Blaire Mackenzie
Graduating from NSCAD University, Blaire Mackenzie is an emerging multidisciplinary artist working across ceramics, painting, and crochet. Based in Halifax for the past six years, Blaire first discovered a passion for clay while studying at H.B. Beal Secondary School in London, Ontario, where she specialized in ceramics. Her work ranges from wheel-thrown to handbuilt, balancing both functional and sculptural forms. Inspired by painting, Blaire often explores painterly surfaces in her ceramic pieces, blurring the line between canvas and clay.
Beyond ceramics, Blaire creates hand-crocheted garments that she shares at local Halifax markets. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, a path that has deepened her practice with themes of mental health, compassion, and healing at its core.
“Pottery grounds me in the present moment. When centering clay on the wheel, you engage your whole body—it’s as much about centering yourself as it is the clay. You can guide the process with care, but sometimes the outcome is unexpected, and that, too, is part of life. At every stage, balance is essential: too much pressure and the clay collapses; too little, and nothing changes. Most importantly, pottery creates community. It has introduced me to some of the most supportive and inspiring people I’ve ever known.”
Instagram: @Crochetashtray
Instructor
Inayah Patel
Inayah Patel is an emerging ceramic artist and craftsperson. Recently having moved to Kjipuktuk (Halifax), she is currently pursuing a BFA in Ceramics at NSCAD University. Inayah has an Integrated Design Diploma and Ceramics certificate from the Haliburton School of Art + Design in Ontario, where she learned to harness and refine her creativity. While her primary focus is ceramics, she enjoys interdisciplinary art and likes to combine fibre, metal, wood and other sensory elements into her work. Inayah is passionate about mindful living, and finds the practice of creating to be a meditative and healing process. She intends to use her passion for craft and design to help facilitate safe spaces for others looking for a similar outlet.
Instagram: @in.tel_studio
Instructor
Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy (she/her) is a former full-time potter and teacher turned acupuncturist, with a deep love for both creativity and healing. Specializing in vibrant pottery, Erin's work, "Wobbly Pots Pottery" utilises bold colors, varied textures, and intricate surface decorations.
When not practicing acupuncture, Erin enjoys spending time in her home studio, surrounded by the companionship of her animals. Excited to teach beginner wheel classes, she also has a passion for hand-building and loves sharing the joy of crafting with others.
Instagram: @Wobblypotspottery