Jerry Potter Jr., Wood Artist Bio
written by Tien Frogget
Jerry Potter Jr. crafts smooth, elegant bowls from Hawaiian woods. Each piece is unique, featuring it’s own startlingly beautiful array of patterns, textures, and rich, warm colors. Born and raised in Hawaii, he draws endless inspiration from the blue ocean, pacific weather, and Aloha spirit.
His first bowl was turned in woodshop class, where he instantly fell in love with the magic of transforming a log on the lathe into a work of art. Because woodturning was practiced only by a select few, Jerry went searching for local woodturners. He showed up at the homes of the only three he could find, begging each one to teach him their skill. They all refused. Disheartened, he became a Finish Carpenter by trade but never forgot his dream.
While reminiscing 14 years later, he shared his failed journey with a friend. His friend responded with a half-smile and revealed, to Jerry’s shock, that he was actually a master woodturner and offered to teach him. Jerry immediately accepted, thrilled at this unexpected opportunity. Months were spent training and turning bowls.
Potter always begins with trees that have been removed by the landowner for safety reasons or natural causes, having vowed to never take a chainsaw to a tree for art. Each bowl has its own story; the log it was born from, where the tree was harvested, why it was removed, the age of the tree, the struggles it endured as it grew (revealed in its rings) as well as the inspiration for the design itself. Every story is lovingly recorded and included with the bowl.
Jerry Potter Jr. is a gifted artist with a passion for creating these one-of-a-kind heirlooms. His work brings him tremendous joy, and he loves being able to share that joy with others through his art.
His first bowl was turned in woodshop class, where he instantly fell in love with the magic of transforming a log on the lathe into a work of art. Because woodturning was practiced only by a select few, Jerry went searching for local woodturners. He showed up at the homes of the only three he could find, begging each one to teach him their skill. They all refused. Disheartened, he became a Finish Carpenter by trade but never forgot his dream.
While reminiscing 14 years later, he shared his failed journey with a friend. His friend responded with a half-smile and revealed, to Jerry’s shock, that he was actually a master woodturner and offered to teach him. Jerry immediately accepted, thrilled at this unexpected opportunity. Months were spent training and turning bowls.
Potter always begins with trees that have been removed by the landowner for safety reasons or natural causes, having vowed to never take a chainsaw to a tree for art. Each bowl has its own story; the log it was born from, where the tree was harvested, why it was removed, the age of the tree, the struggles it endured as it grew (revealed in its rings) as well as the inspiration for the design itself. Every story is lovingly recorded and included with the bowl.
Jerry Potter Jr. is a gifted artist with a passion for creating these one-of-a-kind heirlooms. His work brings him tremendous joy, and he loves being able to share that joy with others through his art.