: Inspired Human :: Jono Pandolfi :

I am so excited to share this artist with you. His medium of choice is clay which holds a special place in my heart. Jono Pandolfi and I attended Skidmore College at the same time working in the ceramics studio under the guidance of professor Regis Brodie. Jono has taken his talents to the next level and has more than earned his place working with top designers. Among these clients are Anthropologie, Calvin Klein Home, Crate and Barrel, Converse and the list goes on. Jono's work can be found on restaurant tables at Terrace 5 Restaurant at the MoMA, Eleven Madison Park and more. Without further ado, may I introduce you to Jono Pandolfi.

Willy Nilly Teapots, Anthropologie 

Name: Jono Pandolfi
Age: 34
Sign: LEO!
Where can we find you (blogs, websites etc... list them all;): My website jonopandolfi.com, plus loads of others (see Jono's site for details).  Food and; Wine, Edible, manhattan.com, msnbc, all kinds of stuff.

Terrace 5 Bud Vases, MoMAm NYC

What inspires you most right NOW?
A dark clay body I am using that looks awesome unglazed. I am doing unglazed tea service pieces for Eleven Madison Park.

Kona Dinnerware for Crate and Barrel

Does form follow function, or the other way around? 
It can work both ways. Usually the first one, but it can be either.



What was your first "real" job? 
Teaching ceramics to kids at the school where I first got hooked. 


Do you have a favorite piece, or lots of favorites? 
I don't think I have one. 


How does the creative process work for you?

Yesterday, at a meeting with a client, they asked me to send some sketches of ideas after a lengthy conversation. I boldly stated that I rarely sketch before I start throwing. Well, today, I realized that I DO actually sketch, just in my head. So I forced myself to put some of these things on paper just to see how they looked and it was a worthwhile exercise. But usually I just have an idea of what I want, wedge the clay, and go for it. Pots are like sketches. The first one or two you throw on any given day will usually not come out. Think of that as your warm up. Not every pot has to come out perfect. And not every pot should be kept. 

Pillow Plates, Eleven Madison Park

Salty or sweet? 
Both at the same time. I love Kettle Corn!!!!!!!


What is the craziest thing you ever did to get someone to notice your work? 
Great Question! You have to be fearless about that if you want to get ahead. I'll do anything. I'll talk about my stuff to anyone who will listen (look how much I am typing here...)

Serving Pieces 

Are there days where you just don’t want to get into the studio? If so, what gets you in there? 
Yes there are, and I usually just DON'T go in- I go elsewhere. I feel that on those days, just don't do it. I mean, if I am in the middle of production and it's basically a mindless thing, then there is no excuse to not work. But If I am working on new design, and I just strongly feel like avoiding the studio, i tend to stay away for a day and not feel guilty about it. I go walk around Manhattan and come back the next day feeling super. 


Is it the process of creating a piece that most intrigues you, or the end result?
Definitely both, because you enjoy the first part, the creating, but then the end result is so permanent and long lasting so you better like it. 

Edible Manhattan: "Not Your Grandmothers China"

Describe what it is like for you when you are in the 'zone',when you are in your most creative moment? It's a great feeling. Being creative all the time is impossible though. It's good to have breakthrough ideas, then return to monotony for a while, then more breakthroughs, then more monotony, etc, etc. 


I am inspired, are you? Thank you Jono for talking with P&P!


Liza