Jack Sparrow

Studio Ceramicist & Glaze Chemist · Portland, Oregon

Wheel throwing Glaze formulation Kiln firing Small-batch production

About

I run a two-kiln ceramics studio and have thrown pottery for 13 years. I make tableware in runs of 40 to 300 pieces, mix my own glazes from raw oxides, and keep firing logs for every load. Last year the studio shipped 4,200 pieces to 18 shops with a kiln-loss rate under 3 percent.

Experience

Owner & Head Potter

Marrow Clay Studio · Portland

2017 – Now

Built the studio from one wheel to 6 wheels and 2 electric kilns, with 3 part-time potters on staff.
Developed a line of 22 stoneware glazes, documented as tested recipes down to the gram.
Grew wholesale accounts from 4 to 18 shops and kept fulfillment on a 6-week lead time.

Production Potter

Ferngrove Pottery Co-op · Eugene

2013 – 2017

Threw 120 to 180 mugs per week to a 3-millimeter wall spec for the co-op's restaurant line.
Ran the reduction gas kiln for the shared workshop, firing 30-plus loads a year.

Studio Apprentice

Hollowell & Reed Ceramics · Asheville

2011 – 2013

Mixed clay bodies and reclaimed 2 tons of scrap slip a year into usable throwing stock.
Kept the glaze lab and logged 400-plus test tiles across 3 firing schedules.

Training & Shows

Education

BFA, Ceramics
Rowan Craft College, 2011
Glaze Chemistry Certificate
Cascade Clay Institute, 2015

Selected Shows

Northwest Clay Biennial, 2024
Handbuilt Market Award, 2022
Portland Open Studios, 2019

Skills

Wheel throwing Handbuilding Cone 6 & Cone 10 Glaze mixing Kiln maintenance Slip casting Firing logs Wholesale packing