Mugshot Monday - “High Heels” coffee mug by Jeff Oestreich with Morning Glory Blend by Peace Coffee
I didn’t know who Jeff Oestreich was before I took his handles class at Northern Clay Center last Winter.
That’s because I’m a ceramics novice. I’m just a mug collector trying to learn how to be a mug maker and take classes when I can.
Making handles has been my nemesis so I signed up for Jeff’s class with high hopes to learn how to make them.
I learned that and so much more!
I’m learning about the incredible pottery community here in Minnesota and little did I know that my teacher is an important living ceramics legend!
I didn’t know Jeff had studied under Warren Mackenzie.
I didn’t know Jeff had apprenticed at Leach Pottery.
I didn’t know of Jeff’s friendship with Warren’s daughter Tamsyn, nor did I even imagine he would invite her to talk about handles at our class! She brought in her favorite mugs and pitchers that her and her dad had used all these years. I couldn’t believe it.
I didn’t know Jeff would have Linda Christianson visit us and do a demo explaining how she makes handles. Back up a little -- I didn’t even know who Linda was before that day. Yet her demonstration was the turning point for me on learning how to make handles that *feel good* when holding.
I didn’t know Jeff would tell so many stories at his class. It was like half “lecture”, half “hands-on-learning”. I really enjoyed listening to him talk.
I also now know that Jeff loves to wear high heels! He even wore some at our end of class banquet.
I’m very impressed by this because I’m certain I would break my ankle if I walked in heels! He said they are super comfortable and they made him feel good. Love it.
I just had to have one of Jeff’s high heel mugs and serendipity was on my side -- he had sent this message to all of his students:
“Gift Certificate -- One FREE cup with handle for graduating from our HANDLES class (with honors!) Redeem at [the St. Croix Valley] Pottery Tour Mother’s Day weekend. Lots of cups!”
I’ll forever remember this class when I use his mug. I’ll forever be grateful for everything Jeff taught me at his handles class (with honors!). It was more than just handles.
He’s a ceramics legend. But more importantly, he’s a fabulous human that I am so happy I got to meet.
MORE: Read about the cups from Jeff’s personal collection that he let us students borrow each week.
Here’s another photo of the cup (the handle is PERFECT) and a photo of me and Jeff. Cheers!
See also my 490+ photos from the Mugshot Monday project here: www.MugshotMonday.com – Every Mug Has A Story
