Jo Severson

Jo is a well-known, much-loved and widely collected Minnesota potter. We love the simple, clean lines of her cups, platters and baking dishes, and the thought that has gone into making each piece so usable.

“I love to make pots. I find inspiration in the fact that my pots will be put to use in the simple traditions of everyday living such as setting the table, sharing meals with friends, arranging flowers in a vase. I hope my pottery can add a bit of beauty to these everyday rituals.

At her studio in Clearwater, MN, Jo performs all the processes involved in making each piece. Her pots are made from stoneware clay and glazes she mixes from raw chemicals. Her forms are thrown on a wheel and fired in a gas reduction kiln. No lead is used in this oven-proof, dishwasher and microwave safe work.

Jo regularly exhibits her pottery at several regional craft festivals including the American Craft Council show in St. Paul. She is a frequent guest artist at the annual Minnesota Potters of the Upper St. Croix tour.