I am a North Seattle Artist creating distinctive pottery! I have been playing with clay since the early 70s. I studied pottery at Spokane Falls Community College, Gonzaga University and North Seattle Community College. In 2017 I retired from a technology career and opened set up my pottery own studio.

In 2019 I developed a process to make my unusual Raku Pottery. In order the create my crackle raku I use some of the skills I developed painting with oils. First, I lay in a background of colors using terra sigillate that has been tinted with Mason Stains, this sets the mood for the scene I want to capture. Then, I add the black and white line drawings using an under-glaze pen. The final magic comes from joining the fire and smoke of a normal crackle raku firing process using a propane fired kiln. My favorite smoking materials are black and white newsprint and apple wood shavings.

I believe that everyone should have some beauty in their life. My pieces reflect the beauty of what I see and experience living in the amazing Pacific Northwest. My studio is located in my backyard, where I can watch birds and plants change with the seasons.

Jo Reid in the studio.

Jo Reid

According to my mom, I have been playing with clay (modeling) since I was three years old. But I fell in love with fired clay in the early 70s. I studied pottery at Spokane Falls Community College, Gonzaga University and North Seattle Community College. In 2017 I retired from the technology world and opened Formed Earth Studio. I have found joy is my wonderful community of friends who create art - not only in clay but many other mediums.

I am a member of Ceramic Arts Network (CAN) and Washington Clay Artists (WCA). Friends in Glass adopted me as part of their group – glaze is glass on pots! I love to mentor new artists, particularly potters.

My studio is located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood in North Seattle, Washington (USA). I have two shows a year, one in the spring, one in the fall. My studio is open by appointment any time, just contact me via FormedEarthStudio@gmail.com. I would love to meet you.