Mystical potter Jay Buckler’s art ‘inspired and motivated by spirit’

Whether viewed as sculpture or ceramic art, Jay Buckler, a joyful, mystical potter, opines that the philosophical dichotomy ultimately depends on the eye of the beholder. For him, the distinction involves striking a balance between mysticism and quirky playfulness.

Buckler’s practice of meditation and mindfulness has deepened and expanded his worldview. As those spiritual experiences often reach beyond words, he lets his art speak for him instead.

“With pottery, I stick to traditional functional forms. When sculpting, I try to express my deepest feelings with a sense of humor and whimsy,” Buckler explains.

“It is meant to display my own playful nature in a way that might uplift and inspire others to let their worries go, if only for a moment. I celebrate the splendor of nature.”

As an example, Buckler’s lively frog sculptures display human-like behavior and delightful, fanciful postures. Once in your hand, it’s easy to forget that the pieces began as raw clumps of clay, before being masterfully shaped and fired in the kiln.

Every piece has been meticulously and brightly painted, before being finished with a fine, gleaming glaze. Unlike the identically molded chachkas found at discount stores, every one of Buckler’s ceramic artworks are one-of-a-kind.

“I am inspired and motivated by spirit,” Buckler expresses with exuberance.

“I take my inspiration directly from the Divine, which is in everything and everyone. I am moved when I witness the struggle of life. For example, observing an old, twisted tree that’s had to anchor itself in rocky soil and contort itself to reach the light, tells its whole life story in the form it has taken.”

Raised in Maryland within a loving, nuclear family of a father and mother and four siblings, Bucker later studied art at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. He gives great credit to his ceramics professor, Ken Shipley, and adds that he was privileged to have studied under him at APSU.

He also has praise for the works of several others, including the late Japanese potter Shōji Hamada, a major figure of the “mingei” folk-art movement. Also, the late Bernard Leach, the “father of studio pottery,” and his grandson Simon Leach, whose YouTube videos were of significant help as he learned to convert old electric kilns to gas-fired kilns.

“In the sculpting world, I am drawn to Auguste Rodin. When looking at ‘The Kiss,’ I notice the female figure is resting her foot upon the foot of the male figure. It is very intimate and Rodin expressed it subtly, testing the viewer’s powers of observation.”

Buckler describes his own process as a blend of learned technique, mystery and mindfulness, with each influence flowing effortlessly from his hands to the clay. He explains that his focus is always on the present moment, rather than the final product.

“When I throw clay on the pottery wheel, this is my meditation practice. As the wheel spins, it is necessary to direct my full, undivided attention to where my fingers are touching the clay. It is also necessary to allow breath to flow freely, to stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance.”

Buckler’s precisely crafted vessels, such as vases, teapots, pitchers and bowls, reveal another dimension of his creative world, one shaped by classic curves, muted colors, and rustic forms suited to tabletops, shelves and desks.

He formulates his own glaze recipes and will often make small adjustments, similar to what chefs do in the kitchen or chemists concoct in laboratories.

Prior to relocating to Vero Beach in 2024, Buckler had his own ceramics studio in Delaware where he worked primarily on a pottery wheel at home. Once here, he began taking classes at Indian River Clay and soon began volunteering to fire the large kiln. By the end of 2024 he was on board as the studio manager.

“I feel my entire adult life has been in preparation for this position. It’s a real honor and pleasure to be working with the wonderful artists at IRC,” Buckler affirms.

Additionally, Buckler’s genial personality brings enthusiasm to the Good Work Collective in Vero Beach, a new supportive and non-judgmental pottery studio in Vero Beach where he is a member and active volunteer. Owned and operated by Emily Chaney and Kate Donovan, its members have varying levels of experience.

“Small and private hand building, sculpting and wheel throwing classes are offered to anyone interested in exploring the world of ceramic art. I enjoy sharing my new glazes with my fellow studio members, as well as pitching in to load and unload the kilns,” says Buckler.

“I tell new students how confidence is about not caring if you screw up, because there is a very good chance you’re going to. I like to find the little kid in everyone because that little kid is in there,” he adds with a mischievous smile.

“There is always a surprise in store when it’s time to unload the kiln!”

Buckler also enjoys painting, gardening, chess, reading, studying philosophy and metaphysics, exploring life through heightened states of consciousness and, with his partner, Catherine, the ocean, Florida’s natural environment and pet-sitting for friends.

His work can viewed locally at the Wildwood Antique Mall, the Good Work Collective and at Sunshine, Sage & Stone.