Humble beginnings…

In the vibrant Florida of the 60’s & 70s, my affair with clay began in Elementary School. From humble beginnings of crafting pinch pots, I gradually delved deeper into this art form, mastering the craft one pinch pot at a time.

Humble beginnings…

My journey took me to the artistic community of Irvine, CA in 2003, where I immersed myself full-time, rekindling the basics and reigniting my creative spirit. Venturing into county fairs and community craft sales became a natural progression, showcasing my wares and sharing my love for ceramics across California.

Returning to my roots in Florida in 2005, I found a home at St. Pete Clay Co., eventually establishing my studio space in Lutz. Despite facing setbacks like the unfortunate studio fire in 2013, I persevered, participating in local holiday shows around Tampa and embracing the journey back to rebuilding.
Fast forward to the present day - the sheer joy of wheel throwing is unparalleled. The satisfaction of centering the clay, a skill honed over time, feels like discovering a new treasure each time. This art form has become more than just a passion; it is a lifelong commitment that I wholeheartedly embrace.

In 2017, the seed of a new beginning was planted, culminating in the completion of a brand-new studio by the end of 2022. As I embarked on this fresh chapter in January 2023, my focus shifted to perfecting glazes, expanding inventory, and unveiling my creations to a wider audience through our website.

Collaborating with web designers to fine-tune the online platform and gearing up for open-air pottery sales during the festive season at our base in Lutz, I am excited to share my love for crafting functional ceramics with others. The path to Clay Dog Pots has been shaped by resilience, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the art of ceramics.

Jack Winters 2024