Handcrafted with passion and dedication, Victoria-based Moss & Mica pottery offers a variety of unique finds—perfect for any lover of the arts and outdoors.
Inspired by forest and marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, the designs feature up-cycled materials, pottery, precious metals, gemstones, mosses, lichens and locally foraged driftwood.
Victoria Buzz had the pleasure of speaking with Jaymie Fletcher, creator and business owner of Moss & Mica, who is not only a talented visual artist, but a scientist as well, which she uses as a reference for many of her creations.
From tiny mushrooms to miniature elephants, these intricate projects are bound to bring smiles and joy to anyone that beholds them.
“[It’s] the fun of seeing the joy on people’s faces when they’re holding up…something sweet and small,” Fletcher said.
“And the hiking/outdoor scene is so grand here, that starting to make these little sculptures has been such a joy.”
Fletcher said that she entered into the market world around three years ago but has been working with clay ever since her mother, who’s a potter, introduced her to the medium at a young age.
As a toddler that was often sensitive and in need of a quiet space, Fletcher’s mom would sit her down with some clay and provide that refuge.
“I’ve been making ever since. I [still] do it with my mom too.”
So, what began as a hobby and an imaginative way to find joy during difficult times (particularly during the pandemic), transformed into the potential beginnings of a business.
Fletcher shared that the origins of the name ‘Moss & Mica’ arose during a Covid-relief brainstorming session while she was taking her geography degree.
“Everything was online, and like many, I needed a connection to something screen-free and to work with my hands again. I was…[looking for] a creative outlet to get me through the last push of my degree, and as a way to blend the science and arts interest into one.”
“The business names that came up centered around a lot of what we were studying in physical geography, the biotic and abiotic (living and the nonliving), and so the name ‘Moss & Mica’ is a take on that.”
Fletcher added that mica are a group of silicate minerals that are common in sedimentary rocks.
“We spent a lot of time on forests and rocks, so that’s what’s inspiring the name there,” she laughed.
Fletcher’s introduction into the market scene brought wonderful opportunities to get to know the community and begin growing as an artist. She started out as a maker of unique ceramic jewelry on red copper, with sterling silver and 14k gold-plated findings.
However, she soon realized that the market for jewelry was already quite saturated and she wanted to try something new—which is when she dedicated her time to experimenting with other ceramic styles, like miniatures.
And in presenting these little sculptures, it gives her the opportunity to tell her audience a bit about each creature and how they contribute to our ecosystems, if they wish to know more.
“I’m excited to be sharing important details, like the role that slugs play as decomposers in our temperate rainforests…and crystals and rocks and their formations.”
When asked what’s next for her, she mentioned that she’ll be going back to school for her Master’s Degree, as well as continuing to push Moss & Mica more into retail.
Right now, she’s currently in Shop Makers Victoria at 909 Government Street, and hopes to continue working with them as the experience has been very positive.
In the spring and summer, she’s looking forward to the Cook Street Village Block Party as well as summer markets such as Pride and the Moss Street Market.
“I know most people would say that they wish to scale up, but I’m more so refining as I dive back into a masters degree—back to geography!” she said.
“I really hope to keep Moss & Mica as something going for a long time…I hope to continue doing the same as I’m doing right now.”
You can find some of her ceramics online, and if you wish to stay tuned for her market appearances in 2025, she posts a schedule to her events page.
