Meet: Jess Jos, Ceramicist.

Jess was introduced to us by Yvonna, Ollie’s Mum, who also stocks Jess’s gorgeous ceramics in her West London gallery, Flow. 

We immediately fell in love with her earthy tones and pared back style. Interested in pottery from a young age - Jess’s family were in the trade - Her work is about balancing functionality and style. She was the first ceramicist Popham’s ever worked with, and is the perfect choice for our first: Meet The Maker...

We love your studio space (Jess works from Stepney City Farm), how did it come about?

I was so lucky with my studio. I was offered the residency on Stepney Farm in return for hosting free workshops, and working on community projects and have been there since 2013. 

It works really well, I now officially rent the workshop, sharing it with a painter, a carpenter, and a few assistants of mine that come in and out. It’s a very community focused space and I think that seeps into the way we interact as we work. We all eat together every day, it’s a real tools-down catch up with the sound of chickens and goats in the background — I love it!

What’s a typical day in the life of Jess? 

I arrive at 8ish, I love that special hour in the morning, to have a coffee and get set up. Clay is a process (from moulding, to glazing, to firing, to packing etc.) So I usually end up doing 3 or 4 different things a day, which makes that hour really important to make my plans and organise my day. I can’t be on the wheel all day as I run out of creative steam - so I try to leave by 4ish, so that I can go home and do a few emails. Everyday is different which is why I love it so much!

What inspires you? 

It has definitely changed. I started with a real focus on beauty and decorative pieces, but taking my space on the farm definitely shifted my ideals. I am still inspired by lots of the same things, but working on community projects and in such a practical space has taught me the importance of functionality. I now love creating utility pieces, at a more affordable price point and seeing people actually use them!

How hard was it starting out, and what advice would you have for makers at the start of their journey? 

Both my parents were potters, so I did have a basic knowledge from a young age. I went on to study Ceramics at Camberwell College which is where I really feel in love with it, but starting out was still hard. I just got to a point where I was determined to find a way to make money from this, and that determination has stuck with me ever since. 

I started out assisting other artists and would definitely recommend this as a great way to learn all the other bits about being a potter; such as the firing, glazing, packing, and actually running a business side! Tips such as the cheapest place to buy bubble wrap in London are the things that a uni course can’t always teach you!

We’ve noticed you teach as well! What drew you to teaching and tell us a little bit about your classes?

Teaching was a great way to supplement my income as I grew. When I made the leap over to the farm it was an amazing way to use pottery as an educational and community piece. We’ve built bird baths for local nurseries, and helped on lots of different projects, which I’ve really loved. 

I also enjoy watching the students grow. The classes are for all different levels, but they all teach you how to throw and use a potters wheel - so they’re practical. I always say at the start everything won’t be all pretty pots, but you will grow into a true potter! It’s great to nurture people’s inner maker and watch them improve! 

Quick Fire Four 

Favourite spot for coffee? 

At the moment it’s the newly opened Allotment Kitchen on Stepney City Farm, their iced lattes are great!

What book are you currently reading? 

The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn. I listen to my books on audible whilst I make my pieces, this was a really beautiful, inspiring story, which was lovely to create to! 

Which artist or maker are you loving at the moment?

I have always loved Akiko Hirai - she used to be my neighbour in my old studio, she was so kind when I was starting out, and her work has always inspired me and taught me lots too. 

And lastly your favourite Popham’s pastry?

The croissant - I honestly stopped in my tracks when I had my first one. It made me realise I had never had a good croissant in the U.K until then.

Find out more at www.jessjos.com
Follow Jess @jessjos.

Photography by Safia Shakarchi.