Introducing Mug of the Month Artist, October 2025: Jennifer Bean

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UPDATE: MUG DESIGNS AND FINAL PRESENTATION WILL OCCUR WHEN READY FOR PUBLICATION

PennOhio Clay Guild’s October Mug of the Month:

Jennifer Bean-- Finding Connection Through Clay

This month will feature artist Jennifer Bean, cofounder and current co-chair of the PennOhio Clay Guild. Jen’s journey with clay spans three decades, and is a path shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for learning.

Her adventure has spanned through studios and classrooms across the country from Cleveland, Ohio, to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, and onward to Baltimore, Maryland. Along the way, she immersed herself in a wide variety of classes and workshops, gathering techniques, stories, and friendships that would later form the foundation of her work in clay and community building.

As a transplant to the New Castle area, Jen has participated in numerous local and regional events, always finding ways to connect artists, students, and clay enthusiasts alike. Today, much of her energy is devoted to nurturing the continued success of the PennOhio Clay Guild—fostering collaboration, education, and the shared joy of creating with clay.

As we welcome this October Mug of the Month, Jennifer’s story reminds us that the journey of an artist is never just about the work itself, it’s about the places, people, and passions that shape the clay along the way.

"I’ve always admired artists—their ability to tap into inspiration and create something that moves others to do the same. As a lifelong educator, I’ve spent much of my life helping others see connections; breaking down what seems complicated into something accessible and meaningful. So, when I stepped into the realm of pottery, it was only natural that I’d start searching for what drew me to particular styles and techniques, and how I might translate them into my own creations.

One of the first ceramic artists who captivated me was Larry Allen. His work is instantly recognizable, with graceful forms and deeply carved sgraffito designs that reveal both the beauty of the clay itself and a sense of unity between individual elements woven together.  His work speaks to the value of community, and reminds me that clay, much like humanity, finds its strength in connection."

Larry Allen: Master Potter from Birmingham, Alabama

Larry Allen is a celebrated ceramic artist based in Birmingham, Alabama, whose distinctive vessels are immediately recognizable for their elegant forms and intricate surface carvings. Working primarily in stoneware, Allen draws inspiration from traditional African art, architecture, and textile design—translating these influences into bold, rhythmic patterns that dance across the surface of his pottery. His signature black and red palette, achieved through a meticulous sgraffito process, highlights both the strength and subtlety of his craftsmanship. Each piece embodies harmony, balance, and unity—core themes that reflect his deep respect for cultural heritage and community connection.

Allen’s creative process is as intentional as it is expressive. He begins by throwing or hand-building each form, then applies a dark slip and carefully carves through it to reveal the clay beneath, creating layers of contrast and texture. The resulting vessels feel both ancient and contemporary—timeless in their beauty and purpose. Beyond his technical mastery, Larry Allen’s work carries a spiritual and communal message: that art can serve as a bridge between people and traditions. His pottery stands as a powerful reminder that the stories we carve into clay endure long after the hands that shape them have moved on.

From the Larry Allen Pottery Collection of Jennifer Bean

"Another influence that has shaped my journey comes from the Tonalá pottery traditions of Mexico. These hand-painted vessels, ranging from vases and teapots to covered boxes and animal forms, share a remarkable consistency in their surface decoration. Every piece, though unique in shape, carries the same traits of delicate slip-trailing, fine brushwork, and intricate design. What fascinates me most is that this beauty arises from a chorus of many local artists from across generations in the region, each contributing their unique touch to a shared aesthetic. It’s a living dialogue in clay."

From the Tonalá Pottery Collection of Jennifer Bean

Tonalá Pottery: The Heart of Mexican Folk Tradition

Tonalá pottery, originating from the town of Tonalá in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, is one of the most enduring and expressive forms of Mexican folk art. Known for its graceful shapes and intricate hand-painted designs, Tonalá ware reflects centuries of cultural blending—where Indigenous craftsmanship met Spanish colonial influences to form a style uniquely its own. The pottery is typically made from barro bruñido, a burnished clay that gives each piece a soft, polished sheen without the use of glaze. Artists adorn the surfaces with delicate slip-trailed and painted motifs—birds, flowers, suns, and fantastical animals—that tell stories of nature, spirituality, and community life. The patterns are so consistent and refined that, despite being created by many individual artisans, Tonalá pottery maintains a striking sense of harmony and shared aesthetic identity.

What makes Tonalá pottery truly remarkable is its communal spirit. Each piece is entirely handmade, shaped and decorated by local families who have passed down their techniques through generations. While one artisan may specialize in forming vessels—vases, pitchers, or animal figures—another focuses on painting or burnishing, resulting in collaborative works that embody both personal skill and collective tradition. The earthy colors, flowing lines, and rhythmic symmetry found in Tonalá designs speak to a worldview rooted in balance between humanity and nature. To hold a Tonalá pot is to touch a living heritage—one that continues to evolve, yet never loses sight of its cultural and artistic roots.

Though these influences are worlds apart, they share a common spirit that resonates deeply with Jen:

• Clay as a design element, not just a canvas

• Surface decoration that expresses interconnectedness between elements of humanity and nature

• Lines, dots, and patterns that bring cohesion and flow

• Attention to form, honoring how shape and surface compliment one another

In her own studio practice, she has found joy in creating functional pieces - mugs, bowls, ring dishes, spoon rests - the kinds of objects that quietly enrich everyday life. She wants her work to be approachable and inviting pieces that people reach for without hesitation. Until now, she has accomplished much of that through the use of texture and rich colors.

But for this October Mug of the Month, she set out to go deeper. Her goal is to be more purposeful and deliberate with surface design by drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship of Larry Allen and the Tonalá artists.  Hoping to move beyond texture toward carving and cohesive storytelling in clay is a step toward uniting what is valued most: teaching, connection, and creativity brought together in one small, thoughtful vessel.

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