Hamish Jackson - Tradition

Hamish and I live in the same neighborhood, and we both work as artists with small kids. I was drawn to his view about the value of crafting items without compromise. In a world where pre-made products are readily available, and productivity with a maximum return on investment is valued, he decided to take a different approach.

He honors the tradition of making things from local materials and takes time for each item his customers enjoy. In my interview with him (below), he mentions how incredible it is that clay takes such a long time to form in nature. He collects it and turns it into usable form. Then, he castoff wood from local wood companies, chops it, and fires his pieces in a huge kiln for days with other potters.

This probably goes against everything profitable business textbooks say business owners should do, but he believes in the value of connecting people to place with locally sourced materials.

Thanks, Hamish, for taking the time to film and letting me hover around for days while you worked. It was so valuable for me to see the process and how your beliefs translate into each beautiful item you create.

Lastly, I want to thank Jesse Jones of Pleasant Hill Pottery and every potter I met while I was filming and photographing for being so welcoming and supportive of this project.

I hope you enjoy the interview!

Firing went on for days with many artists taking shifts to keep the temperature consistent. It was so incredible to see the process.

2024 - Pleasant Hill Pottery, Oregon

Hamish Jackson Pottery (Website Here)
Filmed and Photographed by Kenji Shimizu