Anchored Here: Clive Tucker

Even if the name Clive Tucker doesn’t sound familiar to you, there’s no doubt you’ve been touched by his art. Whether you’re jogging on Shoreline Trail or filling your growler at Moody Ales, you’ve surely been in the presence of his work if you’ve been to Port Moody. 

Clive Tucker started as a scientist back in England, but soon found his way to pottery. Now, Clive is a potter on Brewer’s Row and continues to delight us with his detailed sculpting, such as the one below that is on Shoreline trail.

We first met Clive while admiring his work at a Moody Ales’ pop-up market. Clive was selling his own artisan beer growlers (yes, of course, we had to scoop one up). He instantly struck us as someone that was just as passionate about his community as we are, so we had to learn more.

Clive studied pottery in Scotland, and eventually found his way to Canada, landing in Ontario. Now, Clive is living the Port Moody life in the City of Arts, where he belongs. He worked at the Arts Centre for many years, and now, continues to serve on the Public Art Selection Committee. 

We sat down with Clive to hear his thoughts on what makes Port Moody so great as the City of Arts, and why public art is an important part of any community.

1. How do you contribute to the social development of Port Moody?

I’m on the City’s Public Art Selection Committee. I have done a few public art pieces for Port Moody and even spent 8 years teaching pottery at the Port Moody Arts Centre.

2. What do you want to see more of in Port Moody?

Public Art.

3. Why is it needed? 

Public art is a little detail that makes any place look like its cared for. It shows that the people here want to invest in the details. It makes people feel better. Even if you don’t notice it every time, it’s still a detail that you know is there. It’s important.

4. What values should we stand for as a community?

Healthy living. Being nice to each other. More public art. Beauty will change the world. 

5. What kind of legacy do you intend on leaving behind?

More public art means more happy people: people who find contentment making art, viewing art, and experiencing art. 

6. What ultimately anchors you here?

The people. The community. My neighbors in Easthill where I live, and my neighbours, Moody Ales, next to where I work. I do find that the brewery has increased the sociability of Port Moody. The inlet I like very much too. For paddle boarding walks and nature. It’s lovely here. Let’s not overbuild it. I don’t think it’s necessary. Quality of life must be preserved. 

If you’d like to see more of Clive’s work, please visit his website.