At Wolf Ceramics, every team member brings their own creative journey, skills, and passions to the studio. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Ian Jones—painter, potter, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and our resident “jigger jolly master.” Ian’s path to Wolf is full of adventure, craft, and community, and we’re so glad he made the leap from Florida to Hood River to join us.
You moved all the way from Florida to Hood River for this job—what drew you to Wolf Ceramics and the Pacific Northwest?
After hiking the Appalachian Trail, I knew I wanted to live somewhere with mountains and all four seasons. At first I thought Vermont, since craft is such a priority in that region. But when I got back to Florida after my thru hike, my friend Jeff (a pottery school director) saw that Wolf was hiring and encouraged me to apply. After interviewing with Sarah, Joey Rose, and Skylar, it just felt like a great fit. I’d seen plenty of images of the PNW but hadn’t spent much time here, so I was stoked to experience this place and all the outdoor adventures it offers. Cross-country skiing at Teacup in the winter has been a real joy.
Before pottery, you worked for 10 years as a scenic artist on huge projects like theme parks and movie sets. What was that experience like, and how does it compare to the work you do now?
I describe being a scenic artist as the art department for a construction company. It could be tough and competitive with tight deadlines, but also incredibly rewarding—millions of people interact with those projects every day. Most of the work was large in scale and production-oriented, so efficiency was key. That mindset translates really well into production ceramics. I’ve always loved challenges and pushing limits. The best part, though, was working with so many talented, creative people. Some amazing artists make Disney and Universal come alive, and it was fun to be behind the scenes.
You’ve been balancing painting and ceramics for years. How did you first discover pottery, and what made you want to pursue both mediums?
I found ceramics in 2008 while studying painting at the University of Central Florida. Before that, I was laying brick and block for a small home builder. When the 2008 recession hit, construction collapsed, so I went back to college. I stumbled into the ceramics building and was totally captivated. With my background in construction, clay just clicked for me. I love how physical pottery is—you’re always moving, and it’s satisfying to see the work stack up through each stage. Painting is still important to me too, and I’m excited to start combining the two by incorporating painted designs into ceramics.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is no small feat! What was that experience like, and did it change the way you approach your art or life?
It was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Honestly, I was surprised by how much fun it was. Life on trail strips everything down to essentials: food, water, mileage, safety. The community is amazing—you meet everyone from doctors to hippies to retired folks, all equal out there with the same goal. It restored my faith in people’s capacity for kindness and taught me the value of being present and connecting. It also helped me become comfortable in my own skin. I’d highly recommend a solo mission like that to anyone who needs a reset.
You’ve mentioned that your paintings explore color, joy, and emotional growth. How does your artwork reflect your personal journey?
I like to have fun and be playful in my paintings, using color and pattern to express that. For a long time I was pretty cynical, but life’s too short to focus on negativity. I want my work to surprise people with color—those “wow” moments. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but that’s part of the process.
You’re also into flower arranging and Ikebana—what inspires that practice, and how does it connect to your work with clay?
I discovered ikebana through pottery—many ikebana artists look for unique vessels for their arrangements. I loved the overlap and started taking classes in the Sogetsu style. I believe flowers have the power to set good intentions for any room. Arranging them in ceramics made by friends is another way to keep that connection alive.
At Wolf Ceramics, you’ve become a “jigger jolly master” and also support new team members learning the ropes. What do you enjoy most about being part of the production team?
I like seeing people happy, successful, and productive. If I can help make that happen, that’s a win for me. A great day in the studio is when everyone’s in the flow—and when someone cracks a joke that makes the whole team laugh.
Do you have a favorite part of the ceramic-making process—throwing, trimming, glazing, or something else?
I really enjoy it all, but throwing and trimming are the most physically gratifying. Trimming especially—it marks the end of one process and the start of the next. I also love seeing finished glaze work head to the stock room and thinking about the life those pots will have with someone new.
Sounds like you’re building a kiln at your place right now—what inspired that project, and what do you hope to create with it?
My next bucket-list goal is to build an anagama kiln, so I’m starting small with a soda kiln. I love the natural surfaces from wood, soda, and salt firings—it feels like being part of history. Firing these kinds of kilns is such a human act, and very romantic to me.
How do you balance your time and creative energy between painting and ceramics?
I pick projects depending on what’s happening in my life. Right now I’m moving into a new ceramic studio, so painting will take a backseat for a bit while I focus on building a body of ceramic work. But I’ll be experimenting with painting on clay, which blends the two.
Where can people see more of your painting work?
I have work at Marcel in White Salmon, WA, and online at www.taffy4ever.com.
If you could describe your creative style in three words, what would they be?
Playful, inquisitive, fun.
What’s bringing you joy right now—inside or outside the studio?
In the studio, it’s the laughs we share—those happen pretty often. Outside, I’m loving the shift of seasons. Fall is on its way, and I can’t wait for the first snow and cross-country skiing at Teacup. I also just got a hummingbird feeder, and watching those little guys zip around the porch has been a delight.
Thank you Ian! You're a sweetheart and we all love you. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights—we’re lucky to have such a talented and creative team here at Wolf Ceramics.