Joseph Jostes has been a working potter since 1980, when he rediscovered the craft. He recalls taking a mandatory clay class in high school and hating it. After being reintroduced to clay in college, it became an obsession. After one class, he took out a loan and bought a wheel and a kiln.
Jostes’ work has been inspired by the many historical ceramics traditions. In studying the rich tradition of American pottery he is always challenged by form, function, and craftsmanship.
With his wife, Sue Skinner, he has operated a pottery business for 25 years, selling retail, wholesale, and by mail order. The couple has also offered an internship program for the past decade. When time allows, Jostes teaches at a local art center.
He continues to make pottery because he loves it and each day offers a challenge and opportunity to continue to learn and expand his skills.
The entry deadline for the 2023 Directory of
Traditional American Crafts has passed. We are now processing entries and submitting
them to our jurors. We will contract entrants after the jurors have made ther decisions.
BACKGROUND
