became his passion and much of his time was devoted to classes in Danville, Va. “I think it’s amazing that you can take simple dirt and make something beautiful,” he said, noting that he finds the work rewarding but that he also enjoys the people he meets along the way -whether it’s fellow artists or customers.“I’ve met a lot of amazing people and made friends, world- wide,” he remarked. It was around that time that Tim’s heart throb, Janet Gaddy appeared on the scene. An award winning artist by her own right, trained by master potters in Italy, Tim said she gave him great praise and
Artist Tim Moran creates timeless beauty from Art Nouveau inspirations. Home is where the heart is and that being the case, world renowned potter, Tim Moran, will always be at home in Lake Gaston. “I moved to Lake Gaston in 1977,” Tim recalled as he spoke about how much he once enjoyed the adrenaline rush of buying and selling radio stations. Moran was around when radio was WSMY and WCBT and the work afforded him a glamorous lifestyle. Traveling extensively throughout Europe, he collected art glass created by the great masters of the Bohemian region during the turn of the century’s Art Nouveau period. The inspiration that collection provided would prove to be one of the greatest investments in his future. Fate had different plans for this self-described “tough businessman” and around 1998 a divorce and triple bypass surgery ensured the artist’s adrenaline junkie days were over if he wanted to continue living. Moran sold his radio stations and wondered what to do next. He started learning pottery, he said, as a form of therapy. It helped to give him peace, keep him centered and calm but it quickly
encouragement during his early days and he credits her with much of his success. The two are still together at their home and studio retreat in Brown Summit, North Carolina. Tim, still an overachiever, said he dedicated himself to becoming a certified Master Potter and creating his unique style of work. While he predominantly uses the Japanese Raku method for his porcelain creations, it is his glazing method that has brought him the most acclaim. Moran has a degree in chemistry and decided to use that Hearth & Vine 51 Summer 2019
