Arts & Frames by Wood Gallery
JON OAKES
I have been handcrafting my unique line of Raku vessels for more than twenty years. Glazed for iridescence or with a crackled texture, my work combines the centuries-old Japanese firing technique (Raku) with modern design. Each piece is a hand-signed work of art, and no two pieces are exactly alike.
I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in North Dakota. As a boy in the mid-west during the 1970’s, there was limited exposure to the arts. While attending high school, my ceramics teacher discovered my talent and aptitude for clay. After sitting down at the potter’s wheel for the first time, I immediately felt comfortable and knew I was meant to throw clay.
After moving to California, I enrolled in college to further my studies in clay. I quickly learned the unlimited possibilities in ceramic shapes and firing techniques. In college, I was introduced to the raku process which I have continued to develop until today. I love the feeling of opening the kiln and am continually surprised by the unique and beautiful ceramic pieces that the raku process creates.
A few years ago, I began to blow glass. I have always been intrigued by the glass-blowing process and am fascinated by the transparency of glass which allows light to shine through it. This wonderful quality is not found in ceramics. I particularly enjoy designing my own cane and murrine as elements for my glass. My intent is to combine the two mediums in the years to come.
I have been handcrafting my unique line of Raku vessels for more than twenty years. Glazed for iridescence or with a crackled texture, my work combines the centuries-old Japanese firing technique (Raku) with modern design. Each piece is a hand-signed work of art, and no two pieces are exactly alike.
I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in North Dakota. As a boy in the mid-west during the 1970’s, there was limited exposure to the arts. While attending high school, my ceramics teacher discovered my talent and aptitude for clay. After sitting down at the potter’s wheel for the first time, I immediately felt comfortable and knew I was meant to throw clay.
After moving to California, I enrolled in college to further my studies in clay. I quickly learned the unlimited possibilities in ceramic shapes and firing techniques. In college, I was introduced to the raku process which I have continued to develop until today. I love the feeling of opening the kiln and am continually surprised by the unique and beautiful ceramic pieces that the raku process creates.
A few years ago, I began to blow glass. I have always been intrigued by the glass-blowing process and am fascinated by the transparency of glass which allows light to shine through it. This wonderful quality is not found in ceramics. I particularly enjoy designing my own cane and murrine as elements for my glass. My intent is to combine the two mediums in the years to come.
