Maker Stories, The Uncommon Life

This Just In-spiration: Meet Bubba Jones

July 6, 2015

Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the person behind the product.

What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Bubba Jones, designer of our Tankard Stein.

Bubba Jones | Tankard Stein | UncommonGoods

Bubba Jones is a bit like the Lone Ranger on a mission to bring pots to the people.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Ever since I was little I made things with my hands.  Whatever was around I built with and made into things that fed my imagination.  I have been to art school and been an artist; now I want to be a potter.

What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
Cash flow is the most exciting thing about being a pro, a lot like a roller coaster ride, very exciting.

Tankard Stein | UncommonGoods

What does your typical day in the studio look like?
You do what the pots tell you to do.  If the cups are dry enough for handles, do that, if not sit down at the wheel and make more.  On a good day you can make pots in the morning and finish them in the evening.

Bubba Jones |  Tankard Stein | UncommonGoods

Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
There is my kiln god, I call Maui, who has watched over every one of my electric kiln firings since 1994.  Firing is a complicated process with so many overlapping subtle variables that it really does appear to work by a combination of careful attention, practice and magic, no matter how long you have been doing it or how much you pay attention to the science behind what is happening.  As a result, traditional potteries from many different cultures use talismans and kiln gods to watch over their firings.

Bubba Jones | UncommonGoods

Maui the kiln God

Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think they would say?
Can I put chocolate milk in here?

What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
Making pottery is a process of training the intuition.

What are your most essential tools?
My potters wheel, my kiln and my hands.

 

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