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Biography
 My
introduction ceramics began in 1974, at Lathrop high school,
here in Fairbanks, Alaska. Although there have been times when I
have done other things like running a guitar repair shop for a
few years, going to college or raising a family, pottery always
remains as a key interest. There is just something about
taking a sticky mass of mud and kneading it and shaping it until
the result is a beautiful and useful article that has the
potential to last longer than I do.
After further ceramics
training at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, I married my
high school sweetheart we moved to Kirkland Washington to attend
bible college. There I worked with a local arts guild to rebuild
their gas kiln improved my potting skills. Missing the great
land and people of Alaska, we returned to Fairbanks where I
continued my education in ceramics and electronics engineering.
I occasionally teach ceramics classes and provide
demonstrations local schools and I am an active member of
the Fairbanks Potters Guild. You will find my work at local
galleries, the Farmers Market and gift shops.
We host an annual midnight
sun raku festival in June on a Saturday around the equinox (June
22). If you would be interested in coming over and eating
some good cooking at a potluck dinner please contact me to see
when the next event will be.
Given my electronics
background, I've branched out to kiln repair as well. I'm
fascinated with this aspect of the craft. My current
projects are building my own electronic kiln controller and this
summer I hope to complete a multi-fuel version of an Olsen
downdraft kiln that will burn wood, waste oil and propane.
Check back for pictures and a story.
The pots are made from
stoneware clay fired to 2200 degrees to provide beautiful and
durable ware. They are microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. But
if you want your pots to outlast your grand children then heed
the following advice. Pottery should not be subjected to
rapid extreme changes in temperature such as placing it directly
in a hot oven when taken from the refrigerator. To ensure
a long life for your pottery allow it to warm to room
temperature or preheat it with warm tap water prior placing it
in a hot oven. I actually test my materials by freezing
and dunking in boiling water several times to see if it will
crack. While the pots will stand up to a great amount of
temperature shock, they will eventually crack. But, if you treat
them well and they will last for generations. Be nice
to your pottery and it will be nice to you.
Custom orders are accepted
on a limited basis.
Jed_williams@yahoo.com |
