Business Details
Handcrafted Wood Fired Stoneware in Jasper, IN
At Monte Young Pottery, we specialize in crafting functional wood-fired stoneware designed for daily use. Our pieces are meticulously wheel-thrown with handmade additions, then fired to 2300 degrees in a 65 cubic foot wood-fired kiln over 36 hours. We focus on creating traditional forms that feel balanced and comfortable in the user's hands, emphasizing rich earthy tones achieved through minimal slips and glazes. Our process involves three annual firings, with each cycle serving as a learning opportunity to refine our techniques and grow as artisans. We offer both ready-made pieces and custom collaborations, ensuring every item reflects our commitment to quality and usability.Our studio in Jasper, Indiana, houses a cross-draft kiln that produces unique flashing effects and ash-kissed glazes, distinguishing our work. We participate in regional markets and pottery tours, allowing direct engagement with our community. Our work cycles include 4-6 weeks of production followed by bisque firing, glazing, and final firing, maintaining a continuous improvement approach. We believe functional pottery should bring beauty and utility to everyday life, a philosophy rooted in Shoji Hamada's teachings. Studio visits are available by appointment for those interested in experiencing our process firsthand.
Services
Functional Stoneware
Custom Pottery
Wood-Fired Ceramics
Bread Bakers
Studio Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of dedicated pottery-making experience
- Our wood-fired kiln creates unique ash-kissed glaze effects
- We provide custom collaboration opportunities for personalized pieces
- Our work cycles incorporate continuous improvement techniques
- We maintain traditional wheel-throwing methods with handmade additions
Services
Functional Stoneware
Our functional stoneware combines traditional forms with modern aesthetics. Each piece is wheel-thrown with handmade additions, designed for practical use while maintaining artistic integrity. The wood-firing process at 2300 degrees creates unique surface textures and earthy tones, making every item both utilitarian and decorative. These pieces withstand daily use while adding beauty to everyday routines.
Custom Pottery
Custom pottery services allow clients to collaborate on unique designs. We work closely with customers to create personalized pieces that meet specific functional needs or aesthetic preferences. This process maintains our commitment to traditional techniques while incorporating individual requirements. Custom orders range from dinnerware sets to specialized baking vessels.
Wood-Fired Ceramics
Wood-fired ceramics undergo a 36-hour firing process in a 65 cubic foot cross-draft kiln. This method produces distinctive flashing effects from direct flame contact and ash-kissed glazes in different kiln zones. The natural variations from each firing ensure no two pieces are identical, creating one-of-a-kind items with organic beauty and character.
Bread Bakers
Specially designed bread bakers enhance artisan baking results. These lidded vessels retain moisture during baking, creating perfect crust development. The stoneware construction distributes heat evenly for consistent baking, while the durable construction withstands repeated use. Each baker includes detailed usage instructions for optimal performance.
Studio Tours
Studio tours provide insight into our pottery-making process. Visitors observe wheel-throwing techniques, glazing methods, and kiln operations. Tours include explanations of our three annual firing cycles and continuous improvement approach. Appointments allow personalized experiences with opportunities to discuss pottery techniques and material choices.
People
Monte Young
Owner/Artist
Monte Young is a dedicated potter specializing in wood-fired stoneware. He creates functional pieces using traditional wheel-throwing techniques combined with handmade additions. His work focuses on usability and organic beauty through natural firing processes. Monte maintains a continuous improvement approach, refining techniques with each firing cycle. He actively participates in regional pottery tours and markets.
Questions
What types of pottery do you create?
We specialize in functional wood-fired stoneware including bowls, plates, cups, vases, and bread bakers. All pieces are wheel-thrown with handmade additions designed for daily use.
Can I commission custom pottery pieces?
Yes, we offer custom collaborations for personalized pottery. Clients can work with us to create unique pieces tailored to specific functional needs or aesthetic preferences.
How does the wood-firing process affect your pottery?
Our 36-hour wood-firing process at 2300 degrees creates unique surface effects through flame contact and ash interaction. This results in organic patterns and textures that make each piece one-of-a-kind.
Do you participate in local markets or events?
We regularly participate in regional pottery tours and markets including the Jasper Farmers Market and Galena Clay Works self-guided tour. Specific event dates are listed on our website.
How can I visit your studio?
Studio visits are available by appointment. Contact us through our website to schedule a personalized tour and observe our pottery-making process firsthand.