Waters Edge Ceramics

Small-batch, hand-built ceramics for living.

Hi- I’m Jen,

Focusing on both functional and whimsical pieces, I create items useful for indoors and out. They all have lives well beyond me and I love hearing plans for their use. It’s fun to learn what places, even countries, my pieces are living in as well if they’ll be gifts or for a particular person or use.

The Why: I’ve been drawn to clay for decades. It’s something that is always with me. When looking at an object out in the world, I’m thinking about how to make it in clay. When making in my studio, what’s foremost in my mind is how the final owner will use it, how it feels to them, and how they’ll connect with it. When someone reacts to a piece or shares it will be a gift to someone, I’m honored it touched them. Ceramics can be very personal, especially with mugs and cups, which we touch with our lips. How the piece feels in our hands matters.

The How: The soft matte surfaces are accented with glaze. The balance is employed to bring out the soft qualities in the surface. There may or may not be a small cat about the piece. He used to love sitting on my work table while I worked, this is a way he remains there.

A number of years ago, an injury prevented me from using the wheel and I had to rethink how I made work. So I make my pieces the slow way - with my hands using pinching, ribs and a banding wheel. At the time, I was surprised to find it brings me closer to the materials and each piece. I’m decidedly personal in my focus and analog in my methods. In today’s world, it feels like a blessing.

For the technically curious:
The clay body is mid-range (C5-6) stoneware, surfaces are decorated with terra sigilatta and glaze, with some underglaze. It’s all made by myself and is fired in my studio Skutt electric kiln.

All my work is safe in the top of the dishwasher, and for food use.

Check out the gallery, or the events list to see where I’ll be next. Send me a note with any questions you may have. I send out infrequent emails and it’s the best way to know where I’ll be next.

Take care,

- Jen