Meet the Potter

Clay came into my life in the fall of 2010 during my senior year at the University of Tampa. What began as a class quickly became something much deeper. Clay was the first thing that truly quieted my brain and brought a sense of calm, focus, and presence.

I studied under sculptor Jack King, who emphasized that the work is about the process. That idea has stayed with me. Clay taught me that perfection is not achievable, but improvement always is. There is always something to refine, rethink, or try again, and that challenge is what continues to draw me in.

For more than twelve years, my practice centered on the wheel, creating functional pottery meant for everyday use. Over time, my work has evolved. I now spend more time hand building, moving through phases and curiosities. At the moment, I have a deep obsession with plates, though I rarely stay focused on one form for too long.

What matters most to me is the moment someone picks up a finished piece and acknowledges the craftsmanship. The balance. The weight in the hand. The quiet uniqueness of the form. I want each piece to feel intentional, grounded, and meant to be used.

I work exclusively with reclaimed clay. Few materials can be recycled endlessly, and clay is one of them. Reclaiming is both a sustainable choice and part of the process itself. It allows me to stay connected to the material, control quality, and reduce waste. Clay scraps don’t belong in a landfill when they can become functional art.

Clay has also shaped my teaching philosophy. The more ceramics I encounter, the more I see that beauty lives in differences, just like people. Clay has the power to connect individuals from all walks of life and ability levels. It reminds us that learning is lifelong and that mistakes are essential to growth.

Inclusion matters to me for the same reason clay does. Clay is for everyone. No one should be left out because of assumptions about what they can or cannot do. My long-term vision is to create spaces where people of all abilities feel welcome, supported, and capable of making meaningful work.

At its core, Jay Bird Pottery is about staying curious, continuing to learn, and connecting with others through clay.