Two Decades of Craftsmanship: Reflecting on 20 Years of J Schatz
As we mark the 20th anniversary of J Schatz, we invite you to join us in a reflective journey through the years. From humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of craftsmanship, our two decades have been marked by dedication, artistic growth, and a commitment to quality in the world of handmade modern ceramics.
In 2004, Jim embarked on a mission to elevate the art of ceramics. The early days were characterized by long hours, hands immersed in clay, and an unwavering dedication to perfecting the craft. These formative years laid the groundwork for what J Schatz would become.
In 2014 Peter met Jim. With a background in furniture and lighting design, Peter Souza brought new and different strengths to the company, encouraging unique forms, textures, and finishes. A new partnership was born, both personal and professional. In addition to his responsibilities at J Schatz, Peter also creates sculptural work in wood and designs homes. His artwork can be viewed here: petersouzajr.com and his design work can be viewed here: workhorsect.com.
Our journey has been punctuated by significant milestones and challenges. We have introduced over 100 products and produced thousands of individual pieces, traveling across the country and beyond in search of inspiration. We have moved from upstate New York to Los Angeles then Providence and to Boothbay Harbor, Maine where we setup the studio in a barn located in a place known as Powder Hill Farm. A beautiful spot with birds, gardens, untamed forests, and rich in history. Definitely an inspired spot to continue the evolution of our work. And now we are packing up again and will continue this journey in New Haven, CT. The Connecticut coast, the lively cultural scene, and the artistic pulse of the city beckon, promising new inspirations to infuse into our ceramic tales.
To our cherished customers, thank you for being part of our story. Your appreciation for fine craftsmanship and unique designs has fueled our commitment to delivering ceramics that stand the test of time. Your stories and feedback have guided us in refining our creations, ensuring that each piece finds a meaningful place in your lives.
As we commemorate two decades of creative endeavors, we look forward to the future with optimism and a renewed commitment to our craft. The coming years hold the promise of further artistic exploration, new collaborations, and the continuation of our legacy as purveyors of modern handmade ceramics.
Each day we arrive at the studio motivated to work hard and create exceptional pieces of ceramic ware. We live to capture beauty, be surprised, and solve creative problems with innovative designs. Most importantly, we love what we do. We certify that the products we make are inspired by wonder and thus are Wonder-Certified.
Our Mission: We create objects that are at home in an inspired life.
Our Vision: We animate objects with wonder.
Simply put, we have been making ceramic objects since 2004 and over 30,000 wonder-certified products have been sold to satisfied customers throughout all fifty states and in 14 countries around the world. Handmade in our studio one at a time.
Cheers to 20 years of J Schatz – where every piece is a testament to the enduring beauty of handmade art. We will resume studio operations in early March from our new location. Stay tuned!