Jacob Stuck - "One Last Test"

About the Artist:

I am a functional ceramicist working in porcelain and stoneware. Focusing on high fire, high zinc crystalline glazes. I plan to be an educator for high school ceramics pursuing my interests in materials and helping our youth be more in touch with art.  

Insta @Stuck.ceramics

 


 

Not always perfectly round.

Ceramic, 2019

Artwork by Jacob Stuck

 

Glaze test number? Somewhere in the hundreds I’m guessing.

Ceramic, 2019 

Artwork by Jacob Stuck

 

Cobalt Madness.

Ceramic, 2019 

 

Not always perfectly round #2,

ceramic, 2019 

 

My work is the exploration of functional ceramics thrown on the wheel and brought to a different standard with the complexity of crystalline glazes. The glaze is what brings these pieces to life and separates them from just being your everyday plate, bowl, cup or vase. These elevated everyday items can be used as art, or simply used as their intended functionality. 

Materiality is the main focus of my work. Working alongside specific guidelines of a high zinc oxide glaze. Variation of these main ingredients and or adding an extra ingredient in to change everything. These materials all rely on one another to finally execute a successful finished ware. The piece relies on the glaze and the glaze relies on the kiln. If one of these is left out or a material is missed the end product won’t match the idea. 

Functional wares are just seen as that, they are seen strictly as what they are and what they are meant to do. I use these pieces and elevate them a step higher with crystalline glazes making them catch the eye. With crystalline glazes a bowl is not seen as just a bowl. That bowl can sit alone not used as its intended function and still be enjoyed as a piece of art. Secondly, that bowl can be seen as art as well seen as being a bowl you need to hold your soup. Using a very finicky glaze on something as simple as a circular bowl is made to make these objects not something you look over. They are made to make you stop and appreciate that simple object.