Louise Bousquet

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell 

Published in the Financial Post

 Oct 6, 2008

Louise Bousquet runs Porcelaines Bousquet (www.porcelainesbousquet.qc.ca). Based in Montreal , the artist creates porcelain known for its unique design, beauty, and extraordinary whiteness. Louise Bousquet tells the Financial Post what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.  

Epiphany: “Even when I was young, I always wanted to make porcelain. Then, one night in Montreal , I passed a display at Birks. The window was bathed in light, illuminating an exquisite piece of porcelain. In that instant, I became obsessed with creating that kind of beauty.”  

A lifetime quest: “I traveled to France and Germany , to study. In time I acquired skills, technology, and materials in order to create my unique porcelain. For example, in 2002, I invested in a customized kiln for firing the clay.”

Journey towards whiteness: “Large firms can make very white porcelain, but they’re often shy of innovation. Ironically, it’s the artisan, with meager funds, who will risk all to discover new properties in the material and new ways to express its versatility.”  

A reputation of excellence: “Today, my porcelain dinnerware and decorative items are sold in Quebec , Ontario , Nova Scotia , and Saskatchewan .”

Passion: “It’s a special gift to create everyday objects that when touched by light, appear formed of brilliance, and a bonus to have them so widely appreciated.”  

-30-