Oakes, Jon

Born in Minneapolis and raised in North Dakota, this artist discovered a lifelong affinity for clay the moment he first sat at a potter's wheel in high school. After moving to California to pursue formal collegiate studies, he expanded his mastery of ceramic forms and firing techniques. It was during this time that he was introduced to the Raku process, a method he continues to explore today for its element of surprise and the unique, unpredictable beauty it yields with every kiln opening.

In recent years, the artist has expanded his practice into glassblowing, drawn to the transparency and light-play inherent in glass that ceramics cannot replicate. Working from his dual-purpose studio, he designs custom cane and murrine to incorporate into his glass art, often transitioning between the two mediums throughout the day. His work is enthusiastically represented by galleries that showcase both his ceramics and glass, and he is currently focused on developing new ways to merge these two distinct disciplines.