Jean Wells

medium: ceramics

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Floral Serving Dish 2019 Ceramics	Orange Oak Leaf Serving Bowl 2020 Ceramics	Blue Oak Leaf Teapot and Mugs 2019 Ceramics
Milwaukee Skyline Platter 2018 Ceramics	Mug Medley 2020 Ceramics

Contact information
8469 N 50th Street
Brown Deer, WI 53223
Phone Number: 414-651-0508
Email Address: jean@jeansclaystudio.com
Web site: www.jeansclaystudio.com

Artist statement
I began drawing and carving onto my pieces a few years into my life as a potter and have never stopped. My designs have always been inspired by nature and have evolved to include everyday household objects and popular iconography. I strive to create imagery that can be visually beautiful, and at times, somewhat playful.

My stylized designs are carved onto each piece by a process called “sgraffito” or “slip-carving.” After the piece is thrown on the wheel and trimmed, a layer of colored clay called “slip” is brushed on to the surface. Once the slip has been allowed to dry slightly, I hand draw and carve the design through the slip. Colored highlights are painted on after the first firing in the kiln. A clear glazed is applied and fired once more to over 2000 degrees to finish the piece.

Biography
Jean studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art from 1985-1988, Ceramics Major and Portrait Painting Minor. Apprenticed at Geneva Art Pottery with John and Claire Bailey in Lake Geneva, WI in 1990 and started her own studio practice in Milwaukee in 1993.

Jean currently sells her work at regional Art & Craft shows and in her online Etsy shop. Notably, Jean has created a successful series of ‘limited edition’ handmade mugs for Colectivo Coffee shops in the Milwaukee/Madison/Chicago areas. In 2017, the USGA commissioned Jean to create commemorative pieces for the US Open Championship at Erin Hills Golf Course in SE Wisconsin.

Jean is the current president of the Wisconsin Designer Craft Council, a member of the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network and Local First Milwaukee. She is also co-founder of Milwaukee Empty Bowls, established in 1999, an organization that has raised over $900,000 for local food agencies in SE Wisconsin.