Tradition and quality
Jane Rekedal has been a potter since 1975 when she joined the Family Gooey Pottery, located on a bucolic cattle ranch in Aromas, California. The pottery was established in 1969 and has been a home to several potters from time to time. When Jane arrived, she shared the studio and kiln with two others. Over time, the other artists left for new adventures and occupations, leaving her the studio for her own. Her degree in art and specialized study with master potter Marguerite Wildenhain led to a teaching position at a local college. After 39 years of sharing the excitement and discovery of the world of ceramics with college students, Jane retired to her rural studio for her next phase. She now includes more sculpture in her work flow as well as finding new ways to incorporate nature-inspired themes in her work.
Made with the intention to be functional as well as beautiful and decorative, Jane favors strong, simple forms with careful attention to detail and finishing. Many sources serve as inspiration including elements from the natural world, such as leaves, flowers, grasses, fruits and vegetables, and animals. Rooted in European traditions and cultures, Jane’s forms and designs are inspired from the ancient cultures including Greece, Scandinavia, and South and Central America.
All of Jane’s pots and sculptures are thrown on the wheel or hand built, and each piece is uniquely made and finished, so no two are exactly the same. Porcelain (white, smooth) and stoneware (warm earth tones, slightly textured) clay is formed, decorated, dried, fired, glazed, and fired a second time. Carved and incised decorations are created before the first firing, with other decorating techniques applied during the glazing process. The glaze kiln was built in the early 1970s and produces high fired, reduction ware with traditional glazes.Temperatures exceed 2,350 degrees Fahrenheit which yields strong, durable ware. Unless otherwise noted, all pieces are high fired, safe for food, oven-proof, microwaveable, and dishwasher safe.
Please note: Pottery work is cyclical, and the rhythms of making, firing, packing, and the creative process revolve around the calendar sometimes with sporadic timing. Wait times on orders can be lengthy if an item is not in stock. Please inquire about availability and timing for custom orders.