Day: February 28, 2025

Robin DuPont: Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Ceramics 

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Robin DuPont is a frontrunner in contemporary ceramics in North America. With over two decades of experience, he has built a reputation for his innovative atmospherically fired ceramics that push the boundaries of form and surface. A recipient of the 2024 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, Robin blends craftsmanship with experimentation, embracing the unpredictable beauty of fire to create work that is as functional as it is mesmerizing. 

A Journey Shaped by Clay 

Robin’s artistic path has taken him across Canada and beyond. He’s studied, taught, and fine-tuned his craft at Alberta College of Art + Design, the Australian National University, and Utah State University. Along the way, he’s absorbed influences and techniques that make his work stand out. No matter where he’s been, his passion for ceramics has always been rooted in curiosity and an appreciation for the unexpected. 

Atmospheric Firing 

If you know Robin, you know he thrives on atmospheric firing. Whether it’s wood, soda, or salt firing, each method leaves its mark—literally. Fire, ash, and vapours interact with clay in ways no artist can completely control, making every piece a unique creation. That’s the magic of Robin’s work—no two pieces are ever the same. His pots, mugs, and vessels capture the raw, organic beauty of the process, and that’s what makes them so special. As Robin himself says, “There’s an authenticity in the work that comes from the process—it’s a collaboration between me, the materials, and the fire.” 

Beyond the Studio 

In addition to his artwork and extensive research in ceramics, Robin is a dedicated educator and mentor, teaching at numerous institutions including Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the Kootenay School of the Arts, shaping the next generation of ceramicists. His commitment to education and community engagement was further recognized when he was named Nelson’s cultural ambassador. More recently, he brought his knowledge and passion for pottery to a wider audience as the pottery expert in CBC’s Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown. 

Upon receiving the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design last fall, Robin acknowledged the significance of recognition in the arts, stating, “The value of this award is not so much a personal thing although I’m so grateful and so honoured…but it’s more important for society and for the public to realize that we value culture, that we value people doing unconventional things.”  

The 2026 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design program is open for nominations at bcachievement.com – nominate and support a remarkable artist in your community. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Celebrating Excellence: The Impact of BC Achievement Award Recipients

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British Columbia is home to extraordinary individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership shape our communities and inspire future generations. At BC Achievement, our mission is to honour those who make a lasting impact, whether through business, Indigenous art, community service, or reconciliation initiatives. These remarkable individuals and organizations are the heartbeat of our province, and their stories deserve to be shared and celebrated. 

Recognizing the Changemakers 

Each year, BC Achievement Foundation recognizes exceptional people who go above and beyond to strengthen the cultural and social fabric of our province. From Indigenous artists preserving their heritage through breathtaking works to entrepreneurs driving sustainable economic growth, our awardees exemplify the power of passion and perseverance. 

Take, for instance, the inspiring work of past award recipients like carver and cultural leader Dempsey Bob, whose contributions to Northwest Coast art have elevated Indigenous artistry on the global stage. Or the many community leaders who, through grassroots efforts, have uplifted marginalized voices and fostered inclusivity in their regions. Their commitment reminds us that true leadership is measured by impact, not titles. 

Why Recognition Matters 

Acknowledging and celebrating excellence is more than just an act of appreciation; it fuels progress. When we shine a light on those making a difference, we empower others to follow in their footsteps. Recognition provides encouragement, strengthens networks, and fosters collaboration. More importantly, it ensures that future generations have role models who embody the values of resilience, creativity, and service. 

Get Involved 

Do you know someone making a difference in British Columbia? Nominations for BC Achievement Awards open annually, and we encourage you to put forward individuals or organizations that exemplify excellence. Nominations are now open for the 2026 programs, so don’t miss the opportunity to recognize those who inspire and uplift our communities. By participating in this process, you play a crucial role in ensuring that those who contribute meaningfully to our society receive the recognition they deserve. 

Follow BC Achievement on social media and stay connected as we continue to spotlight the incredible achievements happening throughout the province. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant British Columbia—one story at a time. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Saluting Our Sponsors: Teck Resources’ Impact on BC Achievement: Indigenous Business and the BC Reconciliation award programs 

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At BC Achievement, we’re in the business of telling stories, lifting people up and shining a light on those who go above and beyond in their communities. We believe that through storytelling, we can inspire others to follow in the footsteps of remarkable British Columbians and make a lasting and continuous impact. The stories we share honour individual excellence while showcasing the communities and places that shape these exceptional individuals. Our goal is to spark a movement that ignites positive change and carves out a path forward for others to follow. 

But we can’t do this alone. We are incredibly grateful to the sponsors who make this mission possible, who help us bring these stories of excellence into the spotlight, and who support the development of programs that recognize the outstanding work of British Columbians. 

The Power of Partnership: Teck’s Ongoing Commitment 

A significant sponsor in our journey has been Teck Resources (Teck), whose consistent support has been invaluable. Since 2010, Teck has been a proud sponsor of the Indigenous Business Award program, and over the last 15 years, it has become an integral part of our sponsorship family.  

In 2024, Teck took this partnership to new heights by becoming the inaugural sponsor of the BC Reconciliation Award program. 

Teck’s presentation sponsor involvement played a key role in the success of the 2024 BC Reconciliation Award ceremony, held in late January in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC. It was a truly inspired evening at Government House where the incredible work of the recipients was celebrated, lauded, and amplified. The support allowed the stories of the recipients to be shared far and wide through live video streaming, captured in the ceremony and made accessible throughout the province on BC Achievement’s website and YouTube channel. It’s a lasting tribute to those who inspire change and is part of the foundation’s online library archive (click here to watch!). 

The recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award are catalysts for broader transformation. Their work has a ripple effect, reaching and impacting countless lives across our province. They represent the power of community, the strength of the people and places that make BC remarkable. 

Looking Ahead: A Continued Partnership for Change 

At BC Achievement, we are proud of our long-standing relationship with Teck, and we salute its ongoing support in helping us honour the exceptional individuals who make our province proud. Together, we are amplifying voices, telling stories, and inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of those who are shaping the future of BC. 

As we look ahead, we are excited about the continued partnership with Teck and other like-minded organizations that share our vision. It’s a relationship built on trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to creating positive change. Together, we’re celebrating excellence—and we’re helping to pave the way for others to follow through these incredible stories of achievement. 

Thank you, Teck, for your continuing support. Here’s to the next chapter in our remarkable journey. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.