Joan Hayward is an accomplished ceramic design artist. Living in Southern California and teaching ceramics most of her adult life.

Years of using traditional methods of manipulating clay have led to her most resent body of work using new techniques and experimentation with glazes. Earlier work was focused on precision and perfection as a production potter of utilitarian ware. Her resent work includes vessels inspired by nature using techniques of distressing the clay, organizing the shapes, and assembling the individual parts to create balance in her sculptures. Working midrange cone six stoneware, most pieces are hand built and some are a combination of traditional wheel-throwing and hand building.