Francine Hampson- Reid began her journey into ceramics at the age of 15 which led to studies at Sheridan College School of Design and Georgian College. While at the latter she was mentored by the renowned potter Robin Hopper. She also studied under Angela Fina, Roger Kerslake, Ann Mortimer, Vic Broz, Santo Mignosa and Barb Tipton. She opened her first studio Springhill Pottery near Ottawa, Ontario. After several years of producing functional ware, she relocated to Calgary, Alberta and enrolled in the ceramic program at the University of Calgary. She became a member of the North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre where she honed her skills at salt firing.
In 2014 she moved to Salt Spring Island BC to set up Mudpuppy Studios a production studio using high fire clay and a salt/soda fired kiln. This studio is located in an arbutus forest that has become a jumping off point using the potter’s wheel as well as handbuilding technique. She continues to share and educate while sponsoring kiln openings on Salt Spring Island.