Artist: Jacob Meer
Jacob Meer, MINNESOTA
Artist Statement
My utilitarian pottery is inspired by the memories of visiting my grandparents' house. My grandfather was an artist who collected paintings, prints, and sculptures. I became enthralled by the stories behind each piece and the history found within these objects. My grandmother loved cooking and I admired her craft and the presentation of the food she would make. This led me to begin creating utilitarian pottery that showcases the story behind each piece.
My pots tell the story of their making. Brush strokes, exposed connections, and finger marks highlight the making processes while layers of slip and underglaze build depth of surface. I want my pots used, but also explored. Leaving marks behind is a way for me to connect with the user and help guide them through the creation of each pot.
My hope is for my pots to integrate into everyday lives. I want my pots used to nourish ourselves both physically with food and mentally with conversation. I am happiest when someone expresses their enjoyment in using one of my pots.
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Bachelor of Fine Arts
2015
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Studio: Here 12 Artists, 12 Hours, 12 Days
Minnesota State Fair, St Paul, MN
September 2023
Artist in Residence
Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
September 2020 - September 2021
Artist in Residence
Morean Center for Clay, St Petersburg, FL
August 2017- July 2019
Apprentice to Simon Levin
Mill Creek Pottery, Gresham, WI
June 2016 - July 2017
PUBLICATIONS
Ceramics Monthly
Studio Visit: Morean Center for Clay: Artists in Residence, St. Petersburg, Florida
January 2020
Tales of a Red Clay Rambler
Episode 189: Jacob Meer and Ian Connors on Their Apprenticeship
August 2017
EXHIBITIONS
2025
American Craft Fest St. Paul 2025
American Craft Council, St Paul, MN
2024
Holidays at the Belger Crane Yard
Belger Art Center, Kansas City, MO
Art of the Holidays
Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Minnetonka, MN 2023
Holidays at the Belger Crane Yard
Belger Art Center, Kansas City, MO
Art of the Holidays
Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Minnetonka, MN
Elmcrest Art Fair
Elmcrest Art Center, Anoka, MN
Studio West Tour
Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins, MN
2022
Holidays at the Belger Crane Yard
Belger Art Center, Kansas City, MO
Gifts in the Gallery
Artistry, Bloomington, MN
Emerging Artist Grant Recipients
Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
CUPful
Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmore, NC
2021
Gifts in the Gallery
Artistry, Bloomington, MN
Winterfest 2021
Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
American Craft Council Baltimore Craft Week
American Craft Council, Baltimore, MD
2020
Strictly Functional Pottery National 2020
Kevin Lehman's Pottery, Lancaster, PA
Dirty South Cup Competition Juror’s Choice Award
River Oaks Art Center, Alexandria, LA
Tableware
Edina Art Center, Edina, MN
2019
Inherent Qualities
Morean Center for Clay, St Petersburg, FL
2018
Woodfire Works II
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
Working Pots III
James May Gallery, Algoma, WI
Peanut Gallery
Morean Center for Clay, St Petersburg, FL
Strictly Functional Pottery National 2018
Kevin Lehman's Pottery, Lancaster, PA
2017
The Cup, The Mug 2017
Main Street Arts, Clifton Spring, NY
Inbound
Morean Center for Clay, St Petersburg, FL
Strictly Functional Pottery National 2017
Kevin Lehman's Pottery, Lancaster, PA
Twin Cups
Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, MO