Artisans' Guild Gallery

Jeanne van Spijker began working with clay as a hobby in 1970. By 1979 the "hobby" had gotten out of hand and "Cactus Pottery" was established. Her first kiln and potters wheel were built with plans from Popular Mechanic Magazine. She attended schools in Massachusetts and Michigan, majoring in Art History. Jeanne makes her home in rural North Florida. She resides on a small farm with her twin sons Balin and Jesse and a menagerie of animals. Her floral carvings are reflective of the surroundings. After working with earthenware and stoneware clays for a number of years, Jeanne began to concentrate on porcelain for its smooth, pure surface, conducive to the intricate carving and clarity of colors. Most pieces are thrown on the potters' wheel, dried slightly, and then hand incised and carved using primarily a pencil and small knife. "Each piece is made, carved and glazed with the greatest attention to detail and craftsmanship that I am capable of giving to it."