Meet the Maker: Jessica Egan of Little Fire Ceramics
In this series of features, we catch up with the ceramic artists we work closely with and share introspections into their creative processes.
Jessica of Little Fire Ceramics is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she strives to encourage joy and connection in everyday experiences by creating unique handmade ceramics which marry form and function.
Jessica Egan of Little Fire Ceramics.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
JESSICA: I am fortunate to live close to my studio, so after a short walk or bike ride, I usually arrive at 7am. Before I start to work with clay, I always take the time to do some stretches. Making ceramics full-time can take its toll on the body, so being intentional about strengthening and stretching is important to continue doing what I love.
While drinking a cup of tea, I map out what I need to do that day. I'm very detail-oriented and have a lot of charts, diagrams, and calendars to help keep me organized. I often joke that I am the opposite of the stereotype of the relaxed and laid back artist! After assessing what needs to be done, I complete any outstanding projects from the day before by trimming, glazing, loading my kilns, etc., then spend the majority of the rest of my day throwing at my wheel.
In addition to managing my own work, I also check in with my part-time studio assistant who is responsible for getting items ready to ship out safely. We typically eat lunch together and discuss the latest audiobook, podcast, or music we have been listening to. Depending on the project I’m working on, I tend to finish my day's work around 6 or 7pm.
What is the most exciting part of your work?
JESSICA: Getting to collaborate with a variety of people from different backgrounds—whether that's chefs, shop owners, other creatives, or engaged couples meeting to talk about custom wedding registries. The opportunity to have amazing conversations and develop ongoing relationships with people is very near and dear to me. It is always exciting to see how my work is influenced by them and how their lives are in turn influenced by the finished products.
A few of Little Fire Ceramics’s pieces—we love the unity of form and function with their ceramic and glass terrariums.
How do plants play a role in your life? Do you keep any in your studio space? If so, are there specific ones you are drawn to?
JESSICA: No matter the home or studio I’ve been in, I’ve always had plants incorporated into the space.
On my porch at home, I have a container garden where I grow vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers that I love using in meals—my favorite outdoor plants to grow are nasturtiums and squash. Inside, my windows primarily face south, so my collection of succulents are thriving, and I have a variety of taller plants, like Ficus and Birds of Paradise that are starting to touch the ceiling.
In contrast, my current studio is in an old factory building and has large north-facing windows directly in front of my wheel. While throwing, I have a wonderful view of the community garden across the street as well as a public park. The soft light throughout the day is perfect for the large Philodendron selloums that flank either side of my windows and anchor the space. They were propagated from plants my mom had when I was growing up, and it’s like having part of my family in the studio. In addition to hanging planters that I put up when I first moved into the studio, I have also recently built an entire plant wall with wall pocket planters I made. The Philodendrons, Pothos, and Hoyas are small now, but I’m so excited to see them grow over time and for the wall to become lush and full.
The hardest thing about having plants in the studio is keeping clay dust off them, but it is a nice meditative ritual to take a break to dust and water them, especially during the coldest months of the year when my studio is warm and humid and feels like a snow globe during the Wisconsin winters.
Jessica, while in the process of throwing a planter.
What are your biggest influences when creating work? What in particular do you draw inspiration from?
JESSICA: Because my work is so intertwined in daily life, I find that much of the inspiration comes from being thoughtful and intentional about the world around me. Going out to a new restaurant and seeing how they plate their food can inspire new tableware. Purchasing a fragile Maidenhair Fern can lead to crafting terrariums that can house them and hold in moisture. There are endless jumping off points for new designs.
I also love spending time in museums, gardens, libraries, and other spaces when I can step away from the studio to clear my head and appreciate the creativity of others. I'll be the first to admit that I don't do this enough, but it's always my goal to take time, even just a few minutes, to rest and reset my mind so it can have the space to take in my surroundings and be inspired.
Lastly, I love sharing ideas with others and listening to what they are working on. Hearing about the ideas and projects others are passionately pursuing is so beautiful to me and can be a source for learning new concepts, inspiration for designs, and sometimes even cross-disciplinary collaboration.
When creating planters, is there anything in particular you consider?
JESSICA: When I'm making planters, I imagine how the end result would be used by a plant caretaker like myself. I value the functionality of a planter just as much as the aesthetics. I always include drainage holes and drip trays by default. When making hanging planters, I make sure that the holes for the cords aren’t too low so there is no spillage when watering. I also like to ensure that uniquely-shaped planters that I make are still accommodating to easy repotting (ex: you can still get a root ball out without a hassle). My rule of thumb when crafting planters is that they are something I would like to use in my own home, because that is often the case!
An assortment of bisque-fired mugs in Jessica’s studio—after their bisque fire and applying glaze, ceramics go on to their final firing.
What are your favorite words to live by?
JESSICA: At the center of my work is the belief that functional ceramics are a wonderful analogy for creative communities. While it is gratifying to create pieces that can be appreciated on their own, the items reach their full potential when used by others. Vases look the most beautiful when a florist creates an arrangement for them. Plates bring the most joy when a delicious meal is eaten off of them. I’m grateful to be a small part of the journey these pieces will take.
You’ve recently relocated from the Chicago area to Milwaukee, WI. How has that transition been for you and your business? What are some of your favorite aspects of Milwaukee?
JESSICA: When I moved, I was initially nervous about the transition because I was part of such a lovely community in Chicago. It’s been a pleasure to find that because Milwaukee and Chicago are so close, I don’t feel like I’ve left behind a community, but been able to merge it with the new group of creatives I have met here. Milwaukee has such a vibrant local arts and small business community that is supported by the city. There are so many great small business events and gallery nights, and Milwaukeans are very welcoming and supportive of local artists. I love meeting new people and have felt a great sense of friendship and collaboration in the creative and small business scene here. I also enjoy having my studio in a larger arts building for the first time, where many of my suite neighbors pursue a variety of artistic endeavors.
In addition to the people I’ve met, I’m very passionate about Milwaukee’s green space and proximity to Lake Michigan. I absolutely love being able to swim and bike along the lake in my free time. I am also very excited to now have a STUMP location not far from where I live for all my plant needs.
Jessica throwing on her wheel with a Philodendron selloum behind her.
How did you get into making ceramics?
JESSICA: I have always loved art in all forms since my childhood. My mom was a librarian, and from a young age, I heard the praises of creatives of all kinds. In fact, for most of elementary and middle school I was dead set on being a poet. I grew more into visual arts throughout the years, loving to learn by going to galleries and taking classes.
When I was in high school, our art room had pottery wheels, but the teacher was more familiar with handbuilding. Being a teenager, I, of course, gravitated much more towards what was not being taught in class—wheel thrown ceramics. I found a local art gallery and studio that held pottery classes and quickly fell in love with the art form. I became an apprentice to the owner, working with him for around three years where I grew to appreciate functional ceramics as well as the intricacies of running an arts-based small business.
I went to college for Fine Art in Chicago, where I explored more installation and conceptual sculptural art, but I always felt the tug to return to throwing on the wheel. I took classes locally outside of college and also traveled to the Smokey Mountains to do a work-study program at a traditional craft school where I worked alongside woodworkers, jewelers, painters, and printmakers. These communities of makers were incredibly warm and open to sharing their ideas, techniques, and inspiration.
All of these experiences and the adoration for working with clay culminated in the distinct pull towards owning my own business and continuing my lifelong pursuit of being a professional artist. It combines all of my favorite things: making ceramics, cross-disciplinary collaboration, community, and endless opportunities to learn and grow. After eight years of Little Fire Ceramics officially being a business, I still feel so passionate about the work I do and grateful that I'm able to continue to do it.
What would your advice be for anyone interested in making ceramics?
JESSICA: Ceramics look deceptively easy, but it can take time to develop a rhythm. Try as much as you can not to get frustrated and just keep making things! It's ok to make a mistake - if you do, just wedge your clay and start again. Practice the same shape over and over—get really good at the basics. It’s enticing to want to scale up and try new things immediately, but I recommend taking your time to learn the fundamentals. Once you're really good at building a cylinder, you will get that muscle memory and be able to build off of that and go big, or make super funky shapes. Remember that it's a process and people like me who have been doing it a long time still have bad days. Sometimes it's ok to walk away and start fresh the next day.
Also, become intentional about how you interact with everyday objects. Ask yourself what about your favorite mug makes it great to use. Flip over ceramics in restaurants and see where they are made. Pay attention to what you’re drawn to and find inspiration from those items and how they function.
Photos provided by Jessica Egan.