When pottery found Jacob Accurso, he was a novice monk at
Mount Angel Abbey. Learning to center clay from a Benedictine monk who learned
it from another monk, Brother Jacob embraced a long monastic tradition of artistic
work as a complement to contemplative life. He thrived at the wheel,
cultivating the patience to master a craft and learning the history of one of
the oldest art forms on earth. Though he did not pursue a lifelong commitment
to monastic life, his years at the Abbey making plates, bowls and goblets for everyday use continues to shape Jacob’s relationship with pottery to this day.
Jacob accepted an invitation to apprentice for one of the Northwest’s premiere
potters, Jeff Procter, who became a generous mentor and a close friend. Jacob
then worked as a production potter for Pottery West throwing thousands of bowls
for Mo’s Restaurants, which earned him all the chowder he could eat. He studied
with some of the best potters of the twentieth century, including Tom Coleman,
Pat Horsley, Warren MacKenzie, Ellen Currans, Frank Boyden and Jay Jensen. Jacob
was honored to help carry the art and traditions forward himself, as a teacher.
As an artist-in-residence with Oregon’s Artist In Education program, he spent
two weeks at a time in public schools all over the state, teaching students
about clay and involving them in his creative process. Like other working
professionals, he exhibited in juried shows, sold in galleries and attended art
fairs.
After taking time to pursue other interests and careers in law enforcement, social work and health coaching, Jacob has returned to the wheel full-time. In his woodland studio, he produces pieces that are pleasing to the eye, comfortable in the hands, useful in everyday life and durable enough to last for generations. Continuing to perfect his wheel-thrown forms, learn new texturing techniques and develop vibrant glazes with minerals and locally sourced clays, Jacob’s intention is to stay connected to his monastic roots and live by the labor of his hands. “Ora et labora” as the Benedictines say. Prayer and work.
Jacob accepted an invitation to apprentice for one of the Northwest’s premiere
potters, Jeff Procter, who became a generous mentor and a close friend. Jacob
then worked as a production potter for Pottery West throwing thousands of bowls
for Mo’s Restaurants, which earned him all the chowder he could eat. He studied
with some of the best potters of the twentieth century, including Tom Coleman,
Pat Horsley, Warren MacKenzie, Ellen Currans, Frank Boyden and Jay Jensen. Jacob
was honored to help carry the art and traditions forward himself, as a teacher.
As an artist-in-residence with Oregon’s Artist In Education program, he spent
two weeks at a time in public schools all over the state, teaching students
about clay and involving them in his creative process. Like other working
professionals, he exhibited in juried shows, sold in galleries and attended art
fairs.After taking time to pursue other interests and careers in law enforcement, social work and health coaching, Jacob has returned to the wheel full-time. In his woodland studio, he produces pieces that are pleasing to the eye, comfortable in the hands, useful in everyday life and durable enough to last for generations. Continuing to perfect his wheel-thrown forms, learn new texturing techniques and develop vibrant glazes with minerals and locally sourced clays, Jacob’s intention is to stay connected to his monastic roots and live by the labor of his hands. “Ora et labora” as the Benedictines say. Prayer and work.
Wooowwww che bella storia!
ReplyDeleteComplimenti, le ceramiche che ho visto su queste pagine sono eccezionali! :-)