Artist Biography

 Jared Zehmer’s ceramics education began at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA where he earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics. After graduation, seeking to continue his education in clay, he moved to the traditional pottery town of Seagrove NC where he works as a journeyman potter, turning wares on a production level for several local pottery shops while developing his own work in his home studio. 

Pursuing efficiency through the balance of pace and momentum, Jared primarily focuses on the betterment of form and refinement of skill through repetition, as well as developing personal techniques and tools to help streamline the process. He also teaches classes, workshops, enjoys kiln repurposing, and his writings can be found in Pottery Making Illustrated and Ceramics Monthly Awards

Artist Statement

I make pots for their permanence. For the process of converting fragile and soluble elements into solidified objects through a rare geological process that seldom happens naturally: turning clay into stone through fire, then covering the stone with a sheen of glass to produce visually appealing and useful art. 

Working as a production potter for a variety of different shops I have made my fair share of quick round pots. While I do make my own round pots as well, I do strive and struggle to focus more on surface than form such as faceting and texturing. I like to spend more time on the pot while it’s still in its drying stages as opposed to making it, putting it aside, and immediately moving onto the next which I have been so trained to do. When I approach wood firing I prefer to let the wood ash do the final natural decorating of the work which to me is far more appealing than anything I can do to it deliberately.