Thank you for your interest in my work.

Pottery:

I have been working in clay since 1992 when on a group hike, I fell into step with an acquaintance and we began to fantasize what we would do with our time if we didn't have to work for a living. I confessed that I had always thought I would like to throw pots. He laughed and asked me if I knew what he did for a living. I didn't. He told me he owned a company that manufactured potter's wheels and that he had a prototype that I could have – and keep – as long as I continued to use it. My payment was to be a home-cooked dinner. A deal I couldn't refuse.

I took semi-private lessons from Carol Harmon at the Potters' Guild in Balboa Park. After about eight weeks, I felt I was ready for the classroom and enrolled at Mesa Community College. First with Patty Yockey, I continued to focus on the wheel, plus (because it was required) some basics of hand-building. I took all the pottery classes that were offered at Mesa with Patty, then a glaze technology class that was only offered occasionally, taught by John Conrad. More recently, there has been a focus on hand-building influenced by several years of instruction from Lana Wilson.

I am a bit of a workshop junkie, and take every opportunity to learn new techniques. Most notable influences have been Scott Young (for his hand-built construction techniques), Cynthia Bringle (carving), Virginia Cartwright (colored clay) and Steven Hill (forms and glazing).

I use mostly high-fire, white stoneware. I mix my own glazes and often spray them rather than brushing, dipping or pouring. If I can get a whole kiln-load of thrown pieces I will raw glaze, but bisque-fire the hand-built pieces. Fascinated with textures, I constantly am on the lookout for things to press into the clay. Most of my pieces are fired to cone 10 in a gas reduction kiln.

I am quite active in Clay Artists of San Diego , and held the office of President for 3 years and Newsletter Coordinator for 1. I co-chaired the exhibit, “San Diego Potters and Their Mentors”, during NCECA 2003. I am currently the Workshop Coordinator and in charge of Membership data and the bookkeeper for the CASD Gallery.

I try to find time to make pots.

Mosaic:

I learned the basics of mosaic by taking classes at the San Diego Art Department. After learning about cutting glass, attaching tessarae and grouting, I went on to design a series of tables using fabric, cut like quilt pieces as the design and covering it bit by bit, using tweezers, with tempered glass that has been shattered. I recently found a supply at the base of a vandalized bus stop. I don't encourage vandalism, but was sure happy to clean up after it.

Jewelry:

Jewelry really is a self-taught medium for me. Although I have only taken a few one-day classes, I have read how-to books and studied actual pieces that I admire, and through trial and error, have succeeded to duplicate the technique. I will use sterling silver or gold fill, (sometimes surgical steel for ear wires) and primarily art glass and Swarovski crystal beads, with some semi-precious beads. I will wrap most dangling beads with wire (ss or gf) to make them secure. Most pieces will also have some wire-work as an accent.

I look forward to hearing from you.

jackson@jackpots-pottery.com

858-270-3828