Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeffrey Lipton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jeffrey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My first real exposure to ceramics was in college. I had always had an interest in the arts but didn’t quite know where I fit into that world. Once I began working with clay I knew that I had found a medium that resonated with me. It was just as much the tactile connection as it was the opportunity to make a a connection with other people through my work that attracted me to clay. After those early college days I went on to spend a year at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, ME where I lived and worked surrounded by other artists. Shortly thereafter, I entered into a 3 year pottery apprenticeship in Worthington, MA. That opportunity, more than any other, had a profound effect on my work as an artist. Both in understanding the relevance and importance of making pottery in today’s world, and also in affording me the opportunity to make pottery full time for 3 years. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything else in the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a studio potter who grew up in, and now reside in the beautiful state of Maine. My studio is in a small red barn on my property which sits adjacent to my brand new timber framed barn where I will be building a wood kiln this year. In 2008 I earned my BFA with a concentration in Ceramics from the University of Southern Maine. My primary interests are in creating finely crafted handmade pottery for everyday use. Some of my larger vessels are perhaps more along the lines of fine art pieces, however, I will never get tired of making small pots that people can use in their daily life. I find that making such work allows me, as a maker, to connect with people far and wide in a rather intimate way.

I think one thing that sets my work apart from others is my unwavering attention to detail and my desire to always let my work evolve. Every aspect of a pot is considered and I am constantly striving to make new and better work. I don’t make mass produced items, or even large productions of items. Instead, I work in small series and batches of work. This allows me to continually learn and explore. And, it allows my patrons and collectors to follow me along for the journey!

Like most potters, I am a mug maker. On the face this seems simple enough. But when you really dive into it you realize how many variables there are to a mug. And for whatever reason, the mug seems to be the gateway for many folks into handmade pottery. I’m just grateful that I still truly love making mugs!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Ultimately, I think my primary mission is to keep my heart and mind open and find ways to continually create beauty in my life and in others. Over the years I’ve found that the most important thing to me is to make things with my hands. I love starting on a project from point A and working my way all the way to Z. It’s not just working with clay, it’s with gardening, carpentry projects, baking, etc. For example, during the fall of 2023 I worked on one of the more fulfilling projects I’ve ever taken on. This was building the 20’x36′ timber framed barn where I will soon build a wood fired kiln. Working out in a field for 2 months cutting tenons, housings, etc. and learning the time honored craft of english joinery was an amazing and incredibly fulfilling journey.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In early 2013 I was fresh off of my pottery apprenticeship. My wife (fiancé at the time) and I had just moved back to Maine. I set up a studio in my in-laws basement and thought, “ok, I’ll just become a full time potter!” A season of disappointing shows later, I realized I needed to shift my thinking and figure out a way to continue to pursue my pottery goals while also finding a way to put food on the table and a roof over our heads. So, I turned to what I knew, and that was working with plants. For a number of years I worked for a small landscaping business until I felt confident enough to go out on my own and start my own gardening business. This pivot was critical to my finding ways to continue to pursue my pottery work. I now have more time and more flexibility to work in my studio and take on new projects. Ultimately, my goal has always been primarily to earn a living as a potter, but by having control over my “day job” I’m able to live a life that is grounded and wholly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jeffreyliptonpottery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyliptonpottery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyliptonpottery/