Profile of Joan Moore
Joan moved back to the Tonbridge area in 1996 having lived in Sussex for 12 years. Though she had no definite thoughts about taking up pottery as a hobby she'd always thought that it would be good to use her time creatively. However, it was not until 1998 when friends persuaded her to join them at pottery classes at Chipstead Craft Studios, that this vague thought of being creative became a reality.
Starting with handbuilding methods she produced her first pinch pot which is prominently displayed at home. However, Joan quickly discovered that she really wanted to use the wheel and when she heard that John Solly was starting a new course at Tonbridge Adult Centre, she enrolled in his class in 2000, to widen her throwing skills. Sadly, John was only able to take one class before he was taken ill. This was, of course, a great disappointment to Joan when she was about to take this great leap forward to become a thrower. John's easy teaching manner would not be experienced at Tonbridge again. Fortunately, Marion MacKenzie, also an excellent thrower, was able to take over the class and under her care, Joan's throwing skills began to broaden and improve and her love of clay increased. Marion recognised Joan's determination to improve her knowledge, experience and to meet new people, so advised her to join the Kent Potters Association. She enjoyed going to the Master Days and seeing the many different methods which master potters used. And, of course, taking part in and enjoying the 'bring and share' lunches that the KPA is known for! Joan has recently visited Aylesford Priory to see a marvellous demonstration and in November saw the many displays of work at Farnham including the work of the KPA members. So Joan was now a student who was experiencing the best of two worlds. At Tonbridge her work was fired in an electric kiln, which generally produces brighter glazes, and at Chipstead in a gas kiln with a reduced atmosphere which generates more earthy, subdued, colours. The different firing methods made Joan consider her colours carefully. Being a student with two tutoring styles encouraged her to think about which technique to use. Joan actually prefers the brighter colours created with an electric firing but her favourite colour is blue or turquoise. She perseveres to increase the range of colour on her pots. She experiments with slips under glazes, oxides and underglaze colours with glazes. Even glaze on glaze tests produce some pleasing results. Joan carried on attending classes at Tonbridge until Marion retired. Joan is always looking for new things to try and Raku was one of the things she tried both at Chipstead and Tonbridge. She said, smiling, 'you get lovely colours with raku but they're not functional. It's interesting and exciting because you never know what the end result will be. It's an instant result and I don't mind smelling of smoke!' It was about this time that a different tutor started taking Joan's class at Chipstead. So here was another teaching style to adapt to and learn from. This new tutor was an experienced thrower so there was new advice and guidance. However, always on the search to improve her throwing Joan may consider a course near Wadhurst as a possibility'. Had life been different Joan would have taken a City & Guilds course, perhaps, or sold her work in a small tea shop. She is inspired to throw a range of tall, narrow cylinders, though she finds this shape difficult. Having rediscovered her composite vase, which she is pictured holding, she said 'I may succeed better by concentrating on this method'. Joan says that 'I do like to make a wide range of shapes. Pottery is a wonderful passtime not only because it's great fun, and creative but it's always a constant challenge. I've learned that patience and timing are important and both these qualities are needed to be a potter. Working with clay needs muscle power. As you get older it's important to keep fit. I don't play golf any more but I do play short mat bowls, I walk as much as I can and I also go to pilates. Potting is like life where the outcome is never certain but you have to be ready to deal with it.'
