Meet Jess Sasso | Ceramicist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Sasso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in a world of strict expectations, where perfectionism was enforced, and mistakes felt like failures. My last name, Sasso, means “stone” in Italian—a name that carries weight, resilience, and an expectation of solidity. My artistic practice is a reclamation of that name, an assertion of agency within the structures that once confined me.

Through ceramic vessels wrapped in chain, textured surfaces that resist touch, and forms that balance between control and release, I explore the tension between strength and vulnerability. My work reflects the paradox of rigidity and softness, the histories we inherit, and the ones we carve out for ourselves. The act of making—shaping, breaking, rebuilding—is my way of rewriting what it means to carry my own name, to hold history without being held by it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about?

My work exists in the tension between structure and freedom, strength and fragility. I create ceramic vessels that often incorporate chain, wire, and textured surfaces—forms that appear constrained yet enduring. My practice is deeply personal; it’s a reclamation of my name, Sasso (meaning “stone” in Italian), and my agency within the perfectionism and control that shaped me growing up.

What excites me most is the conversation my work creates. I’m drawn to materials that resist and challenge, just as I’ve had to push against expectations in my own life. Recently, I’ve been incorporating animal forms, exploring movement and instinct as counterpoints to structure. These pieces feel like a bridge between the past and the present—between the weight of history and the freedom to redefine it.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

My path wasn’t straightforward. I started as an outdoor educator, teaching kids about resilience through nature. Art was something I always loved, but I didn’t see it as a viable path until I moved to the West Coast and began working with artists. Clay became my language for exploring perfectionism, control, and release—things I had been navigating in my own life.

It wasn’t easy. I’ve faced self-doubt, financial instability, and moments of deep loneliness. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that my worth is tied to productivity or external validation. One of the biggest challenges has been trusting my own voice—believing that my work matters even when the response isn’t immediate or obvious. Over time, I’ve built a community, leaned into the discomfort of growth, and found ways to balance art with financial sustainability.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
• Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. Some of my most meaningful pieces came from mistakes.
• Rejection doesn’t mean failure. It’s often just redirection.
• You don’t have to prove your worth through overwork. Your voice and vision matter even when no one is watching.
• Community is everything. Finding people who understand your work and your process makes the struggles feel lighter.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

My work is about reclamation—of identity, autonomy, and the stories we tell ourselves. I want people to see that strength isn’t about rigidity; it’s about the ability to bend, to adapt, to hold space for both struggle and transformation.

Every vessel I make carries that tension. The weight of history, the push against constraint, the quiet defiance in choosing to create anyway. My hope is that my work speaks to those who have felt trapped by expectation and reminds them that they have the power to reshape their own narratives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Settling In & Studio Time

start the trip slow and get situated in my area by getting coffee and pastries at Just What I Kneaded, take a walk along the river, and give a tour of Claytivity in Frogtown! At night I would head over to Frogtown Brewery for some good beer and good company.

Day 2: Coastal Escape

Head to Point Dume in Malibu , then stop at Malibu Seafood on the way back for a little seafood moment.

Day 3: Deep in Nature

Go on a nice long hike with good classic views of LA in Griffith observatory and cahuenga peak!

Day 4: Urban

Go to the Atwater’s farmers market and snag some korean food from Dave’s Korean. After, take a stroll through the neighborhood and grab a drink at Bar Sniziki.

Day 5: Rest & Reflect

Go to Wi spa, and spend some time reading and drawing at the park at marsh st in frogtown.

Day 6: Gallery Visits

Go gallery hopping! Check out the Armory, Barnsdall Art park and Hollyhock house, and end the day at two faced gallery in Hollywood!

Day 7: Send off

Spend the last day roaming Frogtown , grab a bite at wax paper, and check out forager crafts for a final creative activity.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe much of my journey to the generous and inspiring artists I’ve worked alongside in community studios, as well as the mentors who have shaped my practice. I am deeply grateful for every collector and client who has supported my work from the very beginning, believing in my vision as it has evolved. And, of course, I must acknowledge my constant companion, Murphy, whose unwavering love and presence ground me daily.

Website: https://twig-beetle-pottery.myshopify.com/

Instagram: Twig_and_beetle

Image Credits
Kelly Mustapha-Kellet