Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso
One of the things people may not know about me is that I am in love with pottery. Not just the finished product, but the creative process. It’s not as easy as it looks to create a bowl or a cup. I often marvel at those who can create works of art from a slab of clay. Jan McQuay of McQuay Click & Clay is one of those people I am in awe of. I own several pieces of her pottery work.
Jan is one of the friendly faces you meet at the Farmers’ Market and can be found at the potter’s wheel, teaching market goers how to make their own bowl or some other kind of fun creation. I met Jan years ago when my wonderful sister-in-law got me pottery lessons for a birthday gift. There is something so incredible about creating something from your own two hands. Though the bowls I made were imperfect and lop-sided, they remain my favourite bowls because I made them.
For Pottery Lovers of all ages
Not only is Jan one of the most creative people I know, but she’s also one of the most patient people I’ve ever met. On a recent trip to the Farmers’ Market, my four year old wanted to try her hand at her own pottery creation. Jan guided her through the steps in her calm, patient, demeanour. It was such a fabulous experience. My daughter was tickled pink and so proud of herself for having made her own pinch bowl in the shape of a cat! She now insists that she be able to take pottery lessons with Jan! I am not opposed. I encourage Little One to cultivate her creativity and imagination. Pottery is one of the best things for that.
Pottery for a good cause
The Stoneware Soup Bowl Project is a collaboration between Garden’s Gate Restaurant and the volunteer potters at the McQuay Click & Clay Pottery Studio in Mindemoya. The soup bowl is made of stoneware, a high-fired clay that is chip-resistant. By purchasing a bowl, funds go to supporting the Friends of Misery Bay. Misery Bay Park and Nature Reserve is Manitoulin Island’s National Park, and one of my favourite spots on the Island.
With the purchase of a soup at the Garden’s Gate, you get to take your bowl home with you. Again, this is an initiative to support the Friends of Misery Bay.
If you’re on the Island, pop by the local Farmers’ Markets, McQuay Click & Clay, the Garden’s Gate Restaurant, and Misery Bay!
This is in reply to a query about pottery lessons. I only have 3 wheels, so three is the maximum number of people I can take at a time for lessons. They are $20 per person, and most people want to take 2 lessons, one for making something and the other for glazing. Work on the wheel takes longer than the glazing but I charge the same. People can contact me at scenicmanitoulin@eastlink.ca.
Are you offering adult pottery classes
Jan:
My pleasure. I love your work!
Thanks for your enthusiastic comments on my McQuay Click & Clay pottery, the Mindemoya Market and the Soup Bowl fundraising project for Misery Bay Provincial Park and Nature Reserve. Despite its name, the park is a wonderful place to explore and hike. The motto of the friends of Misery Bay group is “Misery Loves Company”! I’m glad your daughter enjoyed making her pinch-pot kitty! Jan