People
Meet the Dockers: Ruby Jo Willan-Dobner
Having lived in the Royal Wharf neighbourhood for nearly three years and worked at BonBon Pottery for more than two, Ruby Jo is passionate about the area's strong community spirit, creative energy and growing local scene.
In this Meet the Dockers interview we caught up with Ruby Jo to talk about life in Royal Wharf, favourite local spots and why getting your hands dirty with clay can be so rewarding.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to the Royal Docks.
I have lived in Royal Wharf for nearly three years and feel a great sense of community now. Nearly every time I pop out or go to the shop, work or the station, I'll be saying hello to someone I know.
I also work at BonBon Pottery and have done for over two years. My partner works in Royal Wharf too, teaching more than 60 people skateboarding and roller skating through Skate & Create, so we have lots of local links.
How would you describe life in Royal Wharf?
Clean, safe and family friendly. I've lived in several different parts of the UK, and I've never felt as safe stepping out of my door as I do in Royal Wharf.
The area is up and coming and I'm excited to see more business arrive here. It is nice to see so many young families but especially nice to see all the dogs.
What's your favourite way to spend a weekend in the area?
I'm often working at BonBon Pottery at the weekends. But if I have friends or family visiting, some of my favourite things to do are walking around Thames Barrier Park through the hedgerows and back along the waterfront to the pier, then grabbing brunch at Little Hudson. Afterwards, we might get some food from Whashoku, an Asian fusion restaurant, or head to The Windjammer pub.
How did you first discover BonBon Pottery Royal Wharf, and what made you want to work there?
My partner lived in the area, and we actually went on one of our first dates at BonBon. After we moved in together, I was keen to find a job in a creative setting, close to home and without a long commute, so when the opportunity came up at BonBon it felt like the perfect fit.
For anyone who hasn't discovered BonBon yet, how would you describe the experience of visiting the studio?
You can get quite a few different experiences to be honest. If you come on a weekend, you'll be in the hustle and bustle of a fully booked business surrounded by excitement. If you're coming on a Wednesday afternoon, you'll have a quiet relaxed time with good music.
If you're a beginner joining in one of the pottery making classes, be prepared for it to be a little more challenging than the videos you see on Instagram. It is a skill that takes years to master and there's always something new to learn.
You've been developing your pottery skills over the last two years. What's the most rewarding thing you've learned from working with clay?
With pottery there is a lot of trial and error. The simplest things can be rewarding. If your pot comes out of the kiln in one full piece, that's a success in itself!
I also really enjoy making and painting pieces from BonBon for my friends and family and often give them as presents.
Why do you think people are increasingly drawn to creative experiences like pottery?
Humans are innately and evolutionarily drawn to tasks that use more than just thinking alone.
We used to have work that was a lot more physical and provided more balance in everyday life. Now it takes practice to be creative. Creative doesn't mean being objectively good, or an artist that sells work, creativity is just making things that make you feel good.
What do first-time visitors usually find most surprising when they sit down at the pottery wheel or start painting?
For pottery painting it really goes two different ways. Some people find it very therapeutic and they can just get lost in the painting and it is a chance to stop other intrusive thoughts.
With the pottery making class, people don't realize how much the clay on the wheel can physically move you. It takes physical strength, body control, and patience, to make even one pot.
I think people also don't realise how messy you get. For at least an hour, your hands will be covered, even layered, in wet clay. You can't touch your clothes or your hair or your phone (unless you want clay all over them). Having messy hands can sometimes feel unnatural for most first-time clay users, but that's all part of the fun.
Get Creative at BonBon Pottery
Inspired to give pottery a go? Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to develop your skills, BonBon Pottery offers pottery painting sessions and hands-on classes in the heart of Royal Wharf. Find out more and plan your visit.
