Jarrett Pottery

I grew up primarily in the Sacramento area more interested in playing outside in the dirt and mud not realizing what mud could really become. Artistic talent runs in the family but after many years of attempting to draw or paint I was sure the talent gene skipped right over me. I started ceramics almost four years ago thinking it would be just a semester college course that I would take for easy credit, not giving any though as to how it would change my life.

I was introduced to the wheel the second week, attempted to center a single pound of clay without any luck and it down right irritated me. I went home that night covered from head to toe in mud and nothing to show for it. I returned the next week determined to show the wheel who was boss and have not stopped throwing since.

I create pieces that have soft lines with robust bellies and shoulders. I like to push the boundaries of clay by creating mostly light weight and thin walled pieces. I am currently focusing on alternative firing methods such as "Naked Raku" and Saggars. I find a piece more interesting when it has been "painted" by fire and smoke than simply glazed and fired. You never know how a piece will turn out until you open the kiln or the reduction chamber.

A quote by ceramic artist David MacDonald, "Like in life in throwing on the potter's wheel or working clay, you only get what you put into it and if you give yourself over to it completely your rewards are greater.

I would like to thank Ray Gonzales, Deborah Pittman, and Mari Szkitak for always encouraging me to the limits. I would not have come this far with out you guys.

"It's just clay!"

Jeff