Daily Inspiration: Meet Jutta Golas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jutta Golas.

Hi Jutta, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I discovered clay during a 5-year stay in Kyoto, Japan, and, although I have no artistic training I pursued functional pottery for the next 15 years. A move to another location (because I had to give up my large outdoor gas kiln)prompted me to experiment with more free-form clay pieces, e.g. wall sculptures, etc. and that’s what I am still doing today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working with clay is a real challenge no matter how professional and experienced you are. Pieces blow up without reason, or glazes drip and ruin a perfectly fine piece. My work is fired 3 different times and at any stage, something can go wrong. So yes, challenges galore but I will never give up.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create mostly free-form wall sculptures and free-standing sculptures. My luscious glazes are what people like about my work, the many different shapes. I am particularly good at listening to people who are interested in commissioning a clay sculpture. I usually get invited to their home to look at the space for which they contemplate a sculpture.

I then propose to design a sculpture for that particular space and make a paper pattern; then I also make a fully fired test piece that shows the various colors they had mentioned they might like. If they are comfortable with all of this, I go ahead and create the commission. I have never had a client who did not accept the final piece. My art is very colorful which you don’t see a lot in the clay world. I am grateful of all the people who appreciate my work and often return for more.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have not had a mentor but I did a lot of knocking on the doors of galleries (and often got rejected!), I marketed to art consultants, and architects and attended many craft fairs around the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: juttaart.com
• Instagram: @juttaceramicart
• Facebook: @jutta golas