Today we’d like to introduce you to Jezz Strutt

Hi Jezz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I grew up in England and at the age of 9 or 10 was given the opportunity to have a go on the wheel in art class. I really enjoyed it but after this experience we never did it again. For the next 40 years I yearned to get back into the world of clay.
It wasn’t until I approached my fiftieth birthday that I signed up for a pottery class and was determined to see if I was any good at it. I have been honing my skills and experimenting with clay ever since and I’m not about to stop… I think you could say “I am a pot-addict’!
In 2015 I was laid-off from my job in Oil and Gas. It’s a great industry but when there’s a downturn, that’s what happens! Contrary to being sad about this, I took it as an opportunity to begin transitioning from hobby to business and will be celebrating 10 years as a woman owned business in 2025!
It hasn’t been easy and small enterprises have much to contend with, not least the big box stores and cheaper products. However, I am proud of the fact that my product is created with my hands and is one of a kind. A unique piece of art that is a one off made with love. I give a part of me in every piece I make.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

There have been many challenges and I’m sure that will continue, whether it’s something in the creating process or having to learn something on the tax laws, business side, finances, whatever, There are lots of hats to running a business and you have to keep switching from one to another!
Challenges come within myself too at the fear that the work may not be good enough or is unachievable. Clients expect miracles sometimes or unrealistic expectations. It’s hard to figure out and so communication is of great importance when understanding the clients’ wants and wishes. Chatting to the client and having them visit my studio is a good way to get to know them and for them to understand how everything works from my perspective. I tell folk that the process takes 4-6 weeks. In this world of instant gratification, they need to understand that the clay has its own timeline!
Sometimes I’ve mixed a glaze and it’s been too thick, which then causes it to run and stick fast to the shelves in the kiln when it’s fired. There have been a few occasions when some pots have exploded because of air bubbles in the clay and they have moisture in them and then expanded and …. well it’s not a pretty sight! Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to pottery because of the time it takes to dry pieces slowly to avoid the dreaded “S’ crack.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Creating pottery is my passion. I try to be in my studio every day. I really enjoy making pieces of artwork and there is fulfillment in a good result. The finished product should also tell a story or make someone smile. It should convey something to the person looking at it. Apart from throwing on the wheel, I slab-build works and have fun making animals. Some are not real animals at all but a mix of different ones. They form first in my imagination and then in my hands.
I have a particular pot that I make which I call my “Pot Head” pot. They look wonderful when all lined up as I have made a funny face on each pot They can be used for drinking from – pick up by the nose! or add an air-plant and it looks like hair!
My craft does not have the usual look of pottery. I believe my work is quirky and full of color. I enjoy the whimsical look.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

Actually, I made the most out of working in my studio and found some interesting things to experiment with. I had a trip to the UK planned and found myself there for a lot longer than anticipated. I remember having to call the Oklahoma Tax Commission to explain I was unable to file my monthly tax because of the situation and wasn’t sure when I’d be back in the US in order to do it! Some things just come out of nowhere and are an unexpected experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jezzpots.com
• Instagram: Pottery by Jezz
• Facebook: Pottery by Jezz