Artist Statement from Jay

I’m a multidisciplinary artist; however, my primary material is clay.  I find myself at the intersection between aesthetics, spontaneity, and commentary.  I embrace the challenge of creating something beautiful, an object enjoyed by most.  This is easily accomplished with pottery; something useful, unique, and attractive.  However, this process usually requires skill, planning, and control, something I am continuously working on.

I also embrace the notion that my work should have an element of spontaneity and be guided by the freedom of intuition. Letting the process and the material take the lead.  Finding the sweet spot of losing yourself within your work is valuable and exciting. 

I also feel that art should serve its community. If an artist is willing, as I am, to take up difficult political, environmental, or social issues, I feel they should. I can only work so long before I feel my voice should take center stage, yet I still want to embrace the elements of design, stay mindful of aesthetics, and appreciate moments of spontaneity. 

Two people, a woman in a black dress and a man with gray hair and glasses, stand looking at an art display of circular plates on a white wall. The plates have words like 'VOTE,' 'SORRY,' 'FOOD,' 'DEATH,' 'ART,' and other text and images on them.
Smiling middle-aged man with glasses and gray hair, wearing a beige blazer over a light-colored shirt, standing in front of a colorful background.
Three ancient stone carvings of faces mounted on a wooden board.

Mission Statement from Jay

I recently graduated with an MFA in Studio Arts.  Now I’m seeking ways to grow both as an artist and as a professional.  My goal is to work with local businesses to commission projects that enhance their brands and mine.   The businesses I plan to target are restaurants and interior designers. 

For Restaurants:

With over twenty years in the culinary arts, I have a unique perspective on service ware.   I can create unique, one-of-a-kind serving plates with a logo or symbol, featuring custom “fired on decals”.  Where my work will be most impactful is with, but not limited to, appetizer plates, ramen bowls, sushi, and entrée plates. I look forward to working with a chef and/or owner to bring their vision to life with unique, one-of-a-kind serving options.

I can also envision working on a restaurant centerpiece.  Aside from the food and service, the most important thing for a restaurant is its identity.   I can complement the food and service with tile work or a unique wall installation that can help give a restaurant its identity. 

Interior Designers:

I’m working on a portfolio for homes and businesses.  I welcome new ideas and would be open to collaborations with fellow designers.  I currently welcome projects both small and large.  As I build my portfolio, I will apply to appropriate art-in-public-places opportunities, such as calls for submissions, to demonstrate my abilities.

Three people, two young men and an older man, are having a conversation and smiling in an art gallery or exhibition space.

Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York, 2025, at the 40th Annual Chelsea International Fine Arts Competition, from left to right: artists JiHwan Park, Jay Hatfield, and Jack Candy-Kemp. Photo: Agora Gallery