Jacob’s path to Wolf Ceramics started the way many good stories do—by walking through the door and asking. Drawn to the Hood River area by world-class whitewater kayaking, Jacob found the studio while living locally and stopped in with a resume. A part-time position turned into a deeper connection with the studio, and after a season of river guiding, he returned to Wolf full time in Fall 2024 as a production potter.
When he’s not at the wheel, Jacob is likely on the river, in the kitchen, or deep into a hands-on building project. We caught up with Jacob to learn more about his path, his favorite forms, and how he spends his days both in and out of the studio.
How did you first find your way to Wolf Ceramics?
I was living in Hood River about three winters ago, mostly kayaking a lot. I found Wolf Ceramics on Google Maps and just walked in with my resume. I had some experience with ceramics and even though there wasn't an available role, I ended up starting one day a week just helping out.
I grew up going to an arts-focused high school with a really robust ceramics program and spent all four years working in the studio. My teacher gave me an old wheel that barely worked (it had two speeds, very slow and very fast) so I learned a lot just by sticking with it. I really loved the pace of the Wolf studio and what they were doing, and over time things grew into a full-time role.
Kayaking was a big reason you ended up in Oregon. What do you love about it, and what makes the Gorge special?
I’ve been kayaking for as long as I can remember—probably since I was six. It’s always been a huge part of my life. There’s a long list of reasons I love it: the community, where it takes you, and getting to see parts of nature that most people never access. You can’t hike to a lot of these places—you can only get there by river.
The Columbia Gorge has consistent Class V whitewater, which is pretty rare. For five or six months out of the year, if we get the right rain and snow, it’s some of the best kayaking in the country—and honestly, in the world. Having runs that are 15 or 20 minutes from my house is pretty incredible.
The geology, the accessibility, and the community make it really special. It’s probably the largest concentration of non-transient Class V kayakers anywhere. Right now I’m kayaking with people I grew up watching on YouTube, which still feels pretty surreal.
What does your role at Wolf look like day to day?
I’m a full production potter, and more recently I’ve stepped into a broader role in the studio. I’m working with more variety in my clay work now and getting to throw new shapes. As newer people join the team, my role has naturally expanded, and it’s been fun to take on more responsibility and range.
What are your favorite pieces to throw on the wheel?
I really love throwing the ramen bowls. I’ve only thrown them a couple times so far, but once you get into a flow, they’re incredibly satisfying. It’s the only bowl form I’ve thrown here, and it’s a totally different motion compared to vertical pieces like mugs. When everything clicks, you can throw one in three or four minutes, and the finished piece just feels really good.
Favorite Wolf Ceramics pieces overall?
The short stack mug and the ramen bowls for sure—I love that shape visually as much as I do functionally. I’m also a big fan of the Kansas City salad plates and dinnerware. They’re simple, sturdy, and really well-balanced.
You spend a lot of time cooking and are involved in a local pop-up restaurant. How did that start?
I grew up in a house where my dad was always cooking and putting a lot of care into meals. He actually dropped out of college to be a chef, worked in the industry for a couple of years, and then decided he loved cooking but didn’t want it as a career—so he became a lawyer instead!
Recently, I started working with Anthony Dao, a really respected chef in the Gorge. People kept telling me I needed to work with him if I got the chance, so I basically begged him for a job. One day he called me needing a last-minute dishwasher, which turned into line cooking the same night. It went well, thankfully, and I’ve been working with him a couple nights a week. The pop-up is on winter hiatus right now, but I’m excited for it to start back up.
As for cooking at home, I’m all about quick, nourishing meals. I roast a chicken about once a week, make things like Thai curry with salmon, Israeli couscous, roasted vegetables—simple food that feels good to eat.
You’re also renovating an ADU in Bingen. How did that come about?
Hopefully I’ll be moving into it soon! May? Fingers crossed haha. A couple I know bought a house with an ADU, and I approached them about renovating it in exchange for reduced rent.
I’m doing handmade tile, building my own cabinets, installing pendant lights—I’ve had a lot of creative control, which has been amazing. Getting to live in a space that I’ve had a real hand in shaping feels really special.
Finally, what does a perfect day off look like for you?
Waking up early, kayaking, going to the gym, working on the ADU, and then getting a beer with friends. Luckily, I can say that happens quite often.
Thank you Jacob! We love having you on the team.