Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Jenson.
Hi Olivia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was introduced to clay in middle school and continued taking pottery classes throughout high school. I had an excellent high school teacher who taught me how to throw pots, and he encouraged me to continue making pots and pursue my interest in clay. I continued studying ceramics in college at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls and the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. I had great teachers here as well and knew I wanted to keep my hands in clay.
After two years of college ceramics, I started working with Warren MacKenzie in his home and studio in Stillwater, MN. I was lucky enough to be able to help him with his work in the studio, as well as make and fire my own work. I worked with him for the last year and a half of his life and continued working there for some time after. It was during this time that I really saw how to make a living as a working potter, thanks to the generosity of Warren and his many colleagues/proteges who welcomed me with open arms and guidance.
During this time I was able to participate in home and studio sales, which opened up the possibility in my mind to make a living doing pots. I have been fortunate to get to know many of his former students (many who are/were personal role models) that I have looked up to for years, who have helped me tremendously in starting my career in clay as well.
Now, I currently work with Mike Norman, another student of Warren’s from the U of M, and am working as his apprentice at his St. Paul studio. I am focused on helping him with his studio work, as well as honing in my studio practice and exploring/playing with new directions in my own work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always knew that I wanted to be a potter, but I just didn’t think one could really make a living doing it. There were a few years where I thought I had to find a “real job,” which was very stressful until I found my path back to clay and decided that this was it.
I am very grateful to have supportive parents, siblings, and friends, and have had so many great teachers and mentors along the way. It is still a struggle trying to make a living in this world as a young potter, and I have to work another job in order to pay my bills. But, I know it’s all part of the ride and my other job helps me support my work in clay.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make mostly functional pots that I intend to use in the home. I enjoy making large sculptural vessels as well, but I like to make pots for everyday use. I am most proud of my ability to connect with people through my work- when someone tells me they use my coffee cup every day, or that they have a vase of mine that sits on the counter with flowers that rotate out of it, or a certain soup bowl that is the only one that will satisfy- that brings me the most joy.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The Tales of a Red Clay Rambler podcast has been a very helpful way to hear about other potters’ life experiences and get practical advice. Aside from the many clay books I have, I like books about cooking and baking, comedy podcasts, and all things music.
Contact Info:
- Website: Oliviajenson.com
- Instagram: @osjenson
