"I've had a creative streak all my life."

It is a sweet pleasure to be included in the circle of Guemes Island artists.

In 2019, I really and truly retired and moved to Guemes Island, a place we’ve been visiting for decades. I enrolled in Sue Roberts Ceramics Classes (I think it’s a rite of initiation for many islanders) and discovered the pleasure of working with clay. I love the feel of the clay and am thrilled when something begins to take shape. Sometimes I have a vision, like a fish platter, and sometimes a frog or silly bird just emerges.

During the pandemic years, working in the studio has been my salvation. Working quietly among a small group of people, sharing our stories and finding inspiration, has been the best therapy.

Frustrated by our inability to travel during this time, I started a series of “welcome” tiles (tiles on red cloth), representing some of the amazing places we’ve been, using images from favorite memories and local words for welcome.

Guemes is a wonderful community and I am thankful to be here, discovering my own inner artist.

All Artwork ©Jo Anne Myers-Ciecko