interview for local community magazine

Can you explain your background in ceramics (including your earliest memories) and the steps you took to get to where you are professionally today?

My earliest memories related to clay are probably making salt dough models with my mum when I was very little. I loved doing that and painting them.

The Throw Down is for home potters (non professionals) I started going to clayspace regularly about 2 years ago where I made things for fun and also began using porcelain in my jewellery making which helped me move to being fully self employed in my jewellery making business. I have only just began selling more ceramic pieces now they the show is over.

Who were your creative influences growing up and presently are there any artists that inspire you?

My mum was a huge creative influence growing up and I always loved Matisse, especially the collages. I loved Andy Goldsworthy’s land art and was just always drawing patters and colouring them. These days I’m inspired by so many artists I’ve found through Instagram and also bigger artists like Grayson Perry. I love his use of many different approaches and materials and of course his imagination and self expression.

From a personal perspective, what would you say are your favourite ceramic creations?

I’m really enjoying creating small godless or deity sculptures and discovering what I really enjoy making. My creations are becoming more quirky and luckily people seem to be enjoying them too! I love making items that I can give jewellery to which the owner can then borrow and wear. Lots of my pots wear earrings and I’m interested in seeing how this could develop.

I know it must be hard to choose but what would you say were your most memorable moments from your time on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

My two most memorable moments were staring in they room the first time the judges walked out to greet us. It was so surreal and impactful being there, I couldn’t believe I was actually going to be on the show!! I did cry a bit I was so overwhelmed. I didn’t think I would last as long as I did! The sen one most memorable moment was lying down on the cool cobblestones outside the bottle kilns after one of the challenges. It felt so nice to feel the ground and gravity after the intensity of the hours before.

The final was an extremely emotional episode, can you put into words how you felt when your name was announced and with your amazing creativity highlighted every week, has winning the show inspired your work even more?

Winning the show is such an honour! Everyone brought so much individuality and creativity to the process that I think it was really special to be part of.

It was just surreal to get to the final and to get the chance to do all of the challenges. It’s a money can’t buy experience where you really push yourself to your limits and learn that you can achieve things you have never done before and didn’t know you could do! I’m definitely embracing my creativity with more confidence now!

It’s only been a week but would you say your life has changed since winning and that this has/will open up more possibilities for you?

I’m sure they this will bring me lots more opportunities. Not just doing things with more confidence but allowing myself to follow my ideas. I’ve also been offered support in terms of collaborations with pottery supply companies and some local businesses helping me with items like tables for the studio in Margate I’m moving to. (The Rustic Table Company)

For readers who may be interested in attending a class at Clayspace, what can they expect?

Clayspace is such a wonderful and supportive studio. You can book onto a 6 week beginners course or if you already know what you’re doing a little bit you can go to a drop in class. Spaces book up really quickly so make sure you sign up to their mailing list on the website. I’m not teaching there at the moment but may go back to helping out in some of the classes if I get time in the future.

What do you enjoy most about living in Ramsgate and what plans do you have for the remainder of 2023?

I just love being near the sea and Ramsgate has some beautiful beaches and coastal walks that I enjoy with my family. In the summer we love paddle boarding from western under cliff or playing on the beach and in the sea.

How can readers keep up to date with any of your latest work?

The best place to see what I’m up to in on Instagram @lois.gunn and on my website www.loisgunn.com where you can sign up to my mailing list if you’re interested in when new items will be available.

Having been born and raised in Thanet, would you say you have noticed a drive in the creative arts scene over the past 10-20 years and why do you think this is?

There’s definitely been an increase in the creative arts in Thanet over recent years. Perhaps this is happening everywhere? I have no idea why other than people are hopefully embracing the positive value that creative pursuits bring to our lives. Whether through supporting or creating yourself I think it brings a lot to us and often helps us engage with mindfulness and connecting to ourselves and others which in this busy technology heavy time is really valuable.