Artist Statement
Kate and Will Jacobson have been collaborating artists for thirty-eight years. Our Hawaii open-air studio is on a one-lane country road and graced by a huge mango tree and an abundance of tropical flowers. We enjoy a sweeping ocean view and this dichotomy of a natural, quiet environment counterbalanced with dramatic imagery of surf, lava and brilliant skies are evident in our art.
Our current work is inspired by the concept of living in the center of the Pacific Rim. Hawaii is a very elemental island with trembling blue horizons, slowly creeping rivers of lava and starry, starry night skies. There is a continual awareness and respect for the fierce power and tender fragility of life. When you look at our art, you get a glimpse into our world filled with wonder and awe. With growing evidence of how climate change will impact island cultures, we hope to raise awareness and celebrate the beauty and strength of the ocean that surrounds, nurtures and unites us all.
We are widely recognized as the originators of Naked Raku. This firing technique reveals the unadorned, earthly beauty of clay. Another innovative method we are known for is Mica Infusion; using colored mica and terra sigilatta to achieve the shimmering luster of our surfaces. Our work has been exhibited throughout the world, won numerous awards and is included in many corporate, private and public collections.
Studio Locations
2001 to present Big Island, Hawaii
1989 - 2001 Olympic Peninsula, WA
1973 -1988 Sedona, Arizona
Professional Experience
2018 Expressive Ceramics, New Zealand National Conference
Demo & Workshop, Wellington, New Zealand
2018, 2016 La Meridiana International School of Ceramics,
Certaldo, Italy
Curators - Earth Elements: Gestures of Mutual Respect Donkey Mill Art Center, Holualoa, Hawaii
2014 Artist-In-Residence, Earthskin Muriwai, NZ
Taught workshops throughout New Zealand
2012-2015 Hawaii Artist Collaboration
2010-2013 (Kate) Executive Director, Donkey Mill Art Center, HI
1979 to present Studio artists teaching Naked Raku workshops throughout
New Zealand, US and Europe
Selected Galleries
ArtfulHome.com
Glyph Gallery, Holualoa, Hawaii
Gupton Gallery, Kona, Hawaii
Volcano Art Center, Volcano National Park
Selected Publications
2018 Revista Ceramica, Tecnicas de la Ceramica, Vivas, March
2015 Aloha Expressionism, de Ette Shafto
2015 Advanced Glazing Techniques, American Ceramics Society
2013 Pottery Making Illustrated, Mastering Mica
2012 Naked Raku & Related Bare Clay Techniques, Lazo
2011 Advanced Raku Techniques, American Ceramic Society
2011 Pottery Making Illustrated, Naked Raku, Sept/Oct.
2010 500 Raku, Lark Publishing
2009 Mastering Raku, Branfman
2009 Raku Firing: Advanced Techniques, Jones
2008 NCECA Guest Lecture Archives
2001 Barrel, Pit & Sagger Firing, VonDassow
2000 Raku:A Practical Approach, Branfman
1997 Resists and Masking Techniques
1992 XIII Biennale Int. de Ceramique D’Art
1992 Ceramics Monthly, February
1989 New York Times, September 7
Select Exhibitions
2018 Eclectic Diversity, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii
2017 Big Island Clay Exhibition, Hilo, Hawaii
Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition,
Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, HI
2016 Return of the Alala, Volcanoes National Park
Warm Waters, Four Seasons Hualalai
2015 Contemporary Crafts Invitational, Wailoa Center, Hilo
2x4x8 Format Exhibition, Donkey Mill Art Center, Holualoa, HI
Journey Together, BMW Kona, Hawaii
Through the Artist's Eyes, Volcanoes National Park
(2) Recognition Awards - Purchased by Hawaii State
Foundation for Culture & Arts for Public Collection
2014 Earth Meets Fire: Contemporary Ceramics in Hawaii,
Donkey Mill Art Center, Holualoa, HI
2013 Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition,
Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, HI
2012 Sensei & Sensibilities, Holualoa, HI
2011 Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition,
Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, HI
2010 Mastering Raku, Needham, MA
2008 Diamond Head Gallery, Maui
2000 Bainbridge Island Arts & Crafts
1999 Whatcom Museum, Bellingham
1999 St John’s College, Annapolis, MD
1997 Arti Forum, The Hague, Netherlands
1994 Newport Beach Art Museum, CA
1993 Metiers d’Art, Milan, Italy
1992 Chateau-Musee de Vallauris, France