Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jason Russell. I am 37 years old and currently living in Portland, Oregon, which is a fabulous city to be a potter, or a maker of anything for that matter! Before that, I lived in Denver, Chicago, and Berkeley. I spent a brief period of time in Japan, and I really want to go to Iceland.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I work part time at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. Pastimes include enjoying all the great beer here in Portland, hanging out with my perfect canine companion, Dutch, and riding my bicycle.
What first made you want to become an artist?
Well, I don’t think of myself as an artist. The debate over the difference between art and craft is a complex one, but I won’t go into that here on Etsy. I make things with my hands that are meant to be used by other people’s hands. I spent my first two years at the University of the Pacific undeclared. It was great. I took all kinds of different classes: Latin, puppetry, philosophy of religion, classical mythology, geological evolution of the earth. Then I wandered into the art department by chance and saw someone throwing on the wheel. I declared art as my major the next day. Fifteen years later, I’m still working with clay and I’m still intrigued with making simple usable objects.
Please describe your creative process.
I do ninety percent of my work on the potter’s wheel. I have recently switched to a white stoneware (cone 6 for you clay people) after using a red clay body for many years. I fire everything in an electric kiln, and I make my own glazes. I try to keep everything as minimal as possible. My forms are simple, as well as my glazing. I rarely employ any designs on my work, and if I do, it’s usually a single stripe. I like to let the glaze create patterns and textures. Very laissez-faire!
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
That’s a toss-up, as I have a few contenders. I would have to say my badger hair shaving brush, my uncle’s tobacco pipe collection, and my single serving teapot from Tokoname, Japan are at the top of my list.
Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
Books:
La Technique by Jacques Pepin
Sleeves of Desire by ECM records
The Unknown Craftsman by Soetsu Yanagi
Higglety Pigglety Pop! by Maurice Sendak
The Audubon Field Guides
Musicians:
Ketil Bjornstad
Zakir Hussain
Sade (yes, Sade)
David Lindley
Daniel Lanois
Websites
RIV Bike
ECM Records
West Coast Shaving
Jensen Steam Engines
Netflix
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Find someone who is really good at selling on Etsy and ask them how they do it. I’m still learning. Good pictures and refreshing every day helps.
What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see?
I like the Treasury feature. I also like the ability to deactivate items instead of deleting them. That way I can have a studio sale, and whatever doesn’t sell goes back on Etsy. As far as features I’d like to see, it would be great to have a way of calculating shipping on an order-by-order basis. Sometimes I end up losing my shirt when the shipping ends up being higher than my set rate.
How do you promote your work?
“Fresh hot pottery! Get your fresh hot pottery here!” I’m the worst at marketing. It’s the hardest part of what I do. I have a website, but other than that, it’s through the lovely people of Etsy.
In ten years, where would you like to be?
In a country that pays for health care.
170 comments
Sign in to add your ownTwinkleStarCrafts says:
You are a fabulous artist! The colors are wonderful. Beautiful work.
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
your process photos are beautiful, as are your pieces. the glazing on the storage bowl is stunning. congratulations on being a featured seller!
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
These are gorgeous items. It is great to get to know so many different sellers. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
AppliedOptics says:
Very cool work. Your shapes are so natural.
1 year ago
Ayca says:
Great shop!Wonderful article! Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
artofjane says:
Great article and nice shop - especially love the storage jar and the vessel.
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Beautiful work, quite a talent! Congrats Jason!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
YOUR work is beautiful!!!!! wish I could do that,Thanks for shareing
1 year ago
MaiAutumn says:
Beautiful pieces and gorgeous product photos! I so envy potters! :)
1 year ago
pasin says:
Wonderful items Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
NatalieBriggs says:
Love your work, so unique :)
1 year ago
pasin says:
Wonderful items. Love them all.
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
your work is sublime! congrats on the wonderful feature.
1 year ago
opheliasapothecary says:
wonderful items! thanks for sharing with us...blessings, ophelia
1 year ago
worksofwhimsy says:
What a great profile. Beautiful work.
1 year ago
pickledporcelain says:
Thanks for sharing your story and items. I remember a similar situation when I went to school. I majored in Secondary Ed. Geography then changed to History by the time I actually started the semester. Walking past the Art Building on campus and seeing a model in the window as drawing class was in session, I knew I wanted to be in there. Taking an Art Appreciation course (ha ha), I then minored in Art. The creative process of my life would not be silent. It called to me. Long story short, I ended up majoring in Art and finishing with a BFA in Ceramics. I later went back to school and studied for an Art Ed. Certificate. So now with a home studio to make work, I teach junior high art.
1 year ago
VibrantLifeHandmade says:
Its all amazing but I am quite fond of the ice buckets!
1 year ago
GlassCube says:
Jason, your pottery is just beautiful! I bought a kiln recently on a whim. I had ZERO experience with it unlike you, but I was so intrigued with glass art. Turned out to be the best thing I have done in a long time. While my shop hasn't taken off yet,I am still loving making my creations. I just wish I had more kilns!!! They just dont go fast enough do they??!!? Hahaha. Good luck Jason!
1 year ago
StudioZen says:
Jason, my neighbor to the south, thanks so much for sharing your wonderfully inspiring story. Your pottery is lovely and I'm off to browse your shop!
1 year ago
sweetpoppycat says:
Beautiful turquoise glazes! I have admired them for quite some time.
1 year ago
chARiTyelise says:
you have been one of my favorites for awhile now! how wonderful to see you as the featured seller! warmest congratulations!!!
1 year ago
claychickadee says:
Hi!It's so great to see you as a featured seller! I marked you as one of my favorites shortly after I created my own shop here on Etsy! So when I saw you were a featured seller, I was so happy for you! I LOVE your work, love your story and I wish you more success on Etsy!-Ellen
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great work, its interesting that you attended Uni undeclared, at my uni you could sit in on other peoples lectures there wasn't anything stopping you. I like how simple your work looks really nice.
1 year ago
PaperPhine says:
Very subtle and simple - I like the non-overdecorating idea and laissez-faire mentality towards the material (perhaps that's why I'm working with paper yarn - let it do what it wants and most of the time you get beautiful results). Thanks a lot for sharing the insight into your working process with us!
1 year ago
dciezki says:
You know you are one of my favorite sellers. Congratulations on the new featured seller title.
1 year ago
TStyles says:
great work, love everything you make, I hope you will find this country and if you do please let me know so I can live great life without thinking about my health plan LOL
1 year ago
jennifermorrisbeads says:
sublime work! i love your color choices and simple elegant lines. i'd really love a set of your tea cups i see on your website bring them to etsy so we can purchase them! (please!) :)
1 year ago
AmberLeaf says:
I love functional pottery- the kind you use and not afraid to break. The kind that gets dirty and not sit on a shelf. Good job! Beautiful work :)
1 year ago
PotteryHeaven says:
nice work
1 year ago
beachglassshop says:
Thank you for sharing! Pottery is beautiful!
1 year ago
vitamini says:
Beautiful work!
1 year ago
copelandspottery says:
I really like him. Very genuine! Thanks for sharing your work :)
1 year ago
ErikaPrice says:
Great work!
1 year ago
HeadHuggersHeadbands says:
Beautiful work. Your colors are amazing! I bought my first pottery wheel a few months ago and unfortunately haven't had a chance to try it out yet. You've inspired me to spend sometime this weekend doing some turning. Thank you.
1 year ago
ErikaPriceOriginals says:
Fabulous, functional pottery - I love it!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your simple lines and color! Keep up the great work!!
1 year ago
twirlaway says:
Really really beautiful work! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
I love your work. it's clean and perfect in form. A creativity inspiring city, a nice cold drink at the end of the day and Sade...you have good taste:)
1 year ago
lamixx says:
really great work!
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
gorgeous simple pieces!! wishing you much success!
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
love the storage jar - what a beautiful glaze.
1 year ago
CrazyCraftyCarrie says:
Beautiful work! Your aunt Dana S. mentioned that you were a featured seller today, congrats and well deservered. May your inbox be filled with orders today!
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Great interview! Love your work!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Awe!!!! A fellow Portlander! It is wonderful to live and breathe in PDX! Very beautiful work Jason! Come see what else is happening here in The beautiful Pacific NorthWest! SUBSCRIBE to our blog here at LeafandInk! http://leafandink.wordpress.com/ Become a part of our LeafandInk family here in Portland, Oregon USA!!!
1 year ago
Earthystyle says:
Love the process pics!!
1 year ago
BellaEveJewelry says:
What a great profile. Beautiful work.
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
Congratulations on the feature, Jason! Your pottery is lovely, I hope you have lots of success!
1 year ago
CavemanPottery says:
I enjoyed seeing your work and reading your story! Keep playing in the mud!
1 year ago
Xiefashionstudio says:
Great work,congrats!And thanks for sharing:)
1 year ago
aptrick says:
i do love the simplicity of your work - design wise not skill - cuz you got mad skills :D
1 year ago
Textilesone says:
I love the shapes and colors!
1 year ago
LANYARDLADY says:
Beautiful colors and simple elegance. If you're ever in North Carolina check out Seagrove.
1 year ago
Verbenacustomblends says:
Love the colors.... someday i would love to get my hands dirty and form some clay.. it looks like a good time!! :D
1 year ago
TheEvesLikeUs says:
Nice work. I especially like the Vessel! All the best~
1 year ago
portlandgeneralstore says:
Lovely pottery!
1 year ago
portlandgeneralstore says:
Lovely pottery!
1 year ago
themarketintheglen says:
I would like to live in a country that helps pay for healthcare too. As a part-time teacher, part-time nanny, part-time crafter I don't get benefits and I certainly can't afford them! It would be nice not to have to decide between eating and seeing a doctor as I am sure many independent, self-employed crafters and artists know all too well. Thanks for the insights!
1 year ago
ginnyhuber says:
what wonderful colors and simple and extraordinary pieces. A good choice to have wandered into the art department!
1 year ago
thekarmatree says:
The simplicity is really beautiful. Fabulous suspenders by the way :-)
1 year ago
mudpuppy says:
Gorgeous work!
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
your work is just stunning..and so usable..i like that!!
1 year ago
HeartfeltLetters says:
Nice work by a fellow UOP alumn!
1 year ago
WSDreams says:
WOW! Amazing work! :) And ditto RedorGrayArt! :)
1 year ago
jennifermagnesi says:
I loved this interview. The ARTIST is witty and honest. love it. His work is fantastic!
1 year ago
kelann8789 says:
Beautiful, simple work. You have exquisite talent.
1 year ago
dorkorama99 says:
Beautiful work! And there is no shame in loving Sade!
1 year ago
WoolnFelt says:
Loved your pieces right away so pleasing to look at. wonderful work
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Very impressed with these beautiful (and functional!) ceramic works of art. Asides from the Etsy shop, there are also some other colorful and amazing pieces on his website - post them up on Etsy- especially the red Australis Mug. http://www.jasonrussellceramics.com/gallery/item/23
1 year ago
doxallodesigns says:
Love your work - quite beautiful in it's 'simplicity'. :)
1 year ago
lterrill9 says:
Great interview! Beautiful work, just beautiful! Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
tomatored says:
Lovely work!
1 year ago
asphyxiat3xx says:
Beautiful, simplistic! Looking at these makes me miss my days on the wheel!
1 year ago
OneClayBead says:
Beautiful work- love the copper green glaze!
1 year ago
AnnTig says:
Beautiful items, Nice designs Good luck to you!!!!
1 year ago
squirrellicious says:
Thanks so much for sharing your story. Congrats on being a featured seller, you so deserve it!
1 year ago
LOREvintage says:
Beautiful stuff. Hope I get that good on the wheel someday! :)
1 year ago
kirstenalliekim says:
You have tremendous talent! It is a joy to see your work! Do you ever do shows in San Jose, CA? :)
1 year ago
Donauluft says:
Great to see your particular kind of pottery! Love this pure style! Congrats on the featured seller! well deserved indeed!
1 year ago
sweetpeatoadtots says:
Beautiful work! Congratulations!
1 year ago
williamsportcharms says:
Beautiful pottery!
1 year ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Fabulous!! Congrats on following your dream, Jason!! :)
1 year ago
alphabulous says:
Beautiful pieces.
1 year ago
appearences says:
Love your colors It is raining now in Iceland
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Great work n adorable colors ! Bravo !!!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
This one ! great http://www.etsy.com/listing/19381125/blue-ice-bucket
1 year ago
SassySisterVintage says:
I love the simplicity and colors of your designs!!! You're a talented artist. Amen for health care for everyone too!
1 year ago
PaintCreekPottery says:
Enjoyed seeing a dedicated potter being a featured seller. Your passion for your craft and your personality come through very well. Paint Creek Pottery is very new to Etsy and we are eager to see other potters succeeding in this venue. Our work is different; Cone 10 highfire stoneware, but our love of the craft is the same. Continued good luck. Madge Lawson PaintCreekPottery Administrator
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Your pots rock.
1 year ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
Really like the simplicity of your work. Especially like the glaze on the storage jar.
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
Pure and fresh! I love your aesthetic.
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
Great pieces!
1 year ago
thefireandthedark says:
god I love your stuff!so subtle.
1 year ago
PorchlightVintage says:
Nice work! ...a new favorite :)
1 year ago
LAccentNou says:
Love your minimalist style! Nice to meet you!
1 year ago
oneofakindbbeth116 says:
I don't know why but I LOVE that vessel!
1 year ago
GracensDesigns says:
I just fell in LOVE with your work. You are so TALENTED!
1 year ago
CeramicsbyMarcelle says:
Beautiful Pots! I love your little blue cups!
1 year ago
SmilingGirlStudio says:
Absolutely beautiiiiiiful work and always exciting to find a new artist doing well. Thank you for sharing. Christmas is around the corner! : )
1 year ago
MomsantiquesNthings says:
What a great feature, love the interview and the pottery!!
1 year ago
JulTipDesigns says:
I think you are selling you pieces too cheap-they are worth so much more. Also I especially like the pieces that have a color strip running through like the yellow with the turquoise blue.
1 year ago
mbartstudios says:
It was so nice to get to know you a little better. I've admired your work for a while.
1 year ago
AntoinettesWhims says:
Beautiful! Congrats on such a nice feature to see you and your work.
1 year ago
onegarnetgirl says:
BEAUTIFUL WORK! I love that you are still enjoying yourself after so many years of making pottery, you use beautiful color! Congrats.
1 year ago
pagepottery says:
"Fresh hot pottery! Get your fresh hot pottery here!" Love it! We know what you mean.
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Beautiful work and a great interview! Thank you! PS I like Sade, too!
1 year ago
dinosaurtoes says:
"in a country that pays for health care." wow, he got my respect times 10 zillion! one day i hope to find my way to that country as well! congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
You are so lucky to have found your calling in college!! I wandered in and wandered out!!..with a degree at least...congradulations on being a featured seller!!
1 year ago
MetroGypsy says:
Very lovely work-you should thank whoever it was that threw onto the wheel-they changed your life into something quite beautiful! Kudos!
1 year ago
janicewd says:
Your crafting is gorgeous. I particulary like the storage jar. It has a great shape and the color is wonderful too. My second favorite is the blue soup bowl. Really nice.
1 year ago
jdfootloose says:
Great article, love your work!
1 year ago
YumYumPendants says:
GORGEOUS work. I love the little 3" cup!
1 year ago
elisehooperdesigns says:
This is a great interview! Thank you for sharing your lovely work with us.
1 year ago
FerntreeStudio says:
Congrats and good work!
1 year ago
SEOWebDesign says:
I love the pottery - one of the crafts I admire but personally have not ability or inclination to do myself. Nice interview.
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Horray Oregon.....what great pottery! Congrats to you and your great work!
1 year ago
dryan327 says:
Beautiful work...I love it!
1 year ago
ayawedding says:
so modern look potteries you create I love the simplicity thank you for share
1 year ago
2Tweet4Me says:
Wow! I just want to sink my hands into some clay. Great beautiful work. I miss the connection of creating with your hands a vessel used to feed your body, mind and spirit. I too, fell hard in love with the wheel. Thanks again for sharing!
1 year ago
jelvehdesigns says:
lovely work...I think the Tea Bowls are great...
1 year ago
NiuTaller says:
I love the simplicity of Jason's ceramics!! congratulatins!!
1 year ago
CenteredClayWorks says:
Jason - great article, I love the stripe.
1 year ago
madhubanipaintings says:
Marvellous!! You are a good artist.. Very attractive piece of work..
1 year ago
sherilynne says:
one of the best featured sellers in a while. thanks for sharing, jason.
1 year ago
BartonsCreations says:
Love your beautiful work! AND.. anyone who has a profile pic with a gorgeous black lab is number one in my book!
1 year ago
CarolinaCottage says:
Beautiful work. Love this: "I make things with my hands that are meant to be used by other people's hands."
1 year ago
dollfacelala says:
Nice work, I'm jealous of your ability Jason! The few times I tried to make a bowl on the wheel was disasterous. (clay everywhere and a smashed crooked bowl)
1 year ago
spankysdesigns says:
I love that blue drippy storage jar, might just have to have it..:) Great work!!
1 year ago
juiceglass says:
Yay! How great to see you here! I am still enjoying my mugs, both of them. Folks, Jason's work is fabulous. I bought one mug and temporarily lost it, and had to have another. I finally found the first one, but both are so great, yet unique, I have my days I want one, or the other! They both just feel fantastic and he is a super great guy!
1 year ago
PrairieGarden says:
Great interview (love the new format)! Bravo on the where to be in 10 years.
1 year ago
NancyLaRose says:
I just love your piece "blue ice bucket". Just a gorgeous glaze and finger marks. Don't you just love working with clay? You're a very talented artist.
1 year ago
jasonrussellpotter says:
I just want to say that you all have provided me with a year's worth of inspirational reading. Whenever I get down on myself I will come back and read your comments. Thank you so much for all your support!! Even though the money helps pay the bills, it's the emotional support that keeps me going.
1 year ago
ShopRedLeaf says:
Great interview, and beautiful work. If you ever get to Seattle, say hello! Congratulations, and wishes of continued success!
1 year ago
MewesMountainArts says:
I'm so jealous! I love doing pottery but do not have the resources to make it happen. Your work is amazing!! Thank you and best wishes!
1 year ago
jujees says:
Great article. Love your work!
1 year ago
rdsutherland311 says:
Beautiful! I love your pottery.
1 year ago
rainpeople says:
great personal story & gorgeous pottery!!! XO
1 year ago
CountryPrimitivesLLC says:
Very impressive!! Beautiful work. I really enjoyed the article. Blessings, Nikki
1 year ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
Hello neighbor! How exciting to be on the front page.
1 year ago
silvertique says:
wow your work is just amazing!!!
1 year ago
clayslipper says:
Love the simplicity and love the blue glaze. I too hesitate to embellish my ceramic pottery and even my figural sculpture (not listed on etsy). I find pottery much more challenging than my realistic sculpture and was very successful selling my figures through the doll market...where the debate will always be one between art and craft. No matter. If it sells, then they can call it what they want. Nice work!
1 year ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
Outstanding work, a sense of humor and an appreciation for the simple things in life. Great combination.
1 year ago
chanina says:
wonderful pottery! gorgeous pieces!
1 year ago
WatermelonWishes says:
Congratulations! I enjoyed reading your interview and wish you continued success!
1 year ago
cremerdani says:
i love your work
1 year ago
MeltingPotGlass says:
great simple and beautiful forms - very nice mate.
1 year ago
quenchmetalworks says:
A perfect feature... concise answers (short and sweet), fabulous work, and a Daniel Lanois fan to boot! Congratulations, Jason!
1 year ago
BELLACOSAART says:
great feature, nice article, I really like the simple beauty of your work Went to Portland for the first time this year, loved it.
1 year ago
guymelamed says:
nice interview! i like the part about a country that pays for healthcare... :) love your work!
1 year ago
KeysAndMemories says:
Congrats!! Higglety Pigglety Pop is a favorite of mine as well :)
1 year ago
Astellamelu says:
Beautiful work! Congratulations!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
contempojewels says:
Beautiful work!
1 year ago
MixUpGallery says:
Amazing interview, sooooo inspiring!!!, God bless you and your work!!!
1 year ago
maceyrae123 says:
you do beautiful work my son has just started a store on here i hope he does well i love the colors you are very good at this my wish is that my son will draw some pictures and sell them but i dont know if he will
1 year ago
tashamck says:
Great Interview!
1 year ago
zmedceramics says:
interesting interview. was glad i read it!
1 year ago
SubversiveHerbalist says:
congratulations! i saw your feature in passing, and noticed a couple of things...you lived in denver (where i reside) and you work with someone at the museum of contemporary craft that i went to college with! say hi to claire for me :) your work is quite nice. good luck with your shop!
1 year ago
juliedcrisp says:
I'm glad I read it too! Lovely stuff.
1 year ago
paisleymarie says:
You are an inspiration - thank you!
1 year ago
minipotterybyanita says:
Congrats on being Featured. Great article! I also do all my own work, so I really understand where you're coming from! "Ain't" claywork fun!?
1 year ago
seaoats says:
congrats! beautiful work and nice interview!
1 year ago
LennyMud says:
Great to see a featured potter! http://www.Lennymud.etsy.com
1 year ago
whimhandmadejewelry says:
Your passion for your craft is amazing -- It's great to see a fellow artist that so intensely loves what he does!
1 year ago
NewExtrave says:
Great job! I can see your works are with kind of Japanese traditional culture background.
1 year ago
excellentgem says:
I also love ceramic.
1 year ago
Ohiocrochetlady says:
Great work! I love your soup bowl.
1 year ago
MonkeysJewels says:
Great work, love your pictures. You are an artist!
1 year ago
VickyJeanLouis says:
If only I would be able to learn how to do pottery. Nice interview.
1 year ago
BRHDesigns says:
Love your colors! You inspire me on several levels, thank you for your story.
1 year ago
fibrefun says:
Great work. Your days must be very busy.
1 year ago
ElizabethPawle says:
Such beautiful pieces, your work is wonderful. I love the simple shapes. Perfect!
1 year ago