A Love Affair with Clay
~ by Tom Masters of The Chemainus Writers
Born in England, Jane Wolters has lived
on Vancouver Island nearly all her life. But
it was not until her children were in their
teens that she took a course and fell in
love with clay, the wheel and the kiln.
Prior to that, "I was a mother. And, for a
few years, a waitress."
Having discovered an outlet for her
creativity, Jane spent the next three
years gaining experience. She took
an accounting course. "It gave me the
confidence to do pottery as a business."
And she did, earning a living for herself
and her family for the next several years.
"It's the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I couldn't believe it. I'm so fortunate."
Her studio on Chemainus Road is filled with hundreds of pieces of every description. Yet it is only a fraction of
her output over the past quarter century.
In recent years, she has taken up painting in the winter and this has given her a better understanding of
design. "Now," she says, "I don't make so many design mistakes."
She is philosophical about her success. "I've always tried to do my own thing. If you try to imitate someone
else, it's a disaster. I try to live a balanced life. And today, now that I'm older, there's so much else to do – you
know, life."
Still, the love of clay is deeply ingrained. She reflects for a moment and smiles. "I hope my best work is ahead
of me."
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