jaden butdorf, earthen
I am approaching 29, so naturally I spend my Sundays searching for a new plant from STUMP. As my wife, son and I were searching for the perfect string of pearls, I noticed a striking black ceramic candle that had scent notes of jasmine and bergamot.
After picking it up and deciding that I absolutely needed it, I noticed that the creative behind the piece was actually in the store promoting her work. One of the wonderful benefits of supporting local shops and businesses.
Jaden Butdorf is the artist and owner of earthen. A Cleveland based ceramist, Jaden has a penchant for organic, earthy, and minimal pieces. I personally enjoy the weight and substance that ceramics provide, paired with the pride that seems to naturally occur when owning something that is handmade, and a one of one.
I visited her studio space a few weeks ago to see her creative process, discuss how she plans on growing the business, and learning how she approaches sustainability in her work.
Tell me about your morning rituals. How do you like to begin each day?
Each morning dedicated to earthen, I change into my current favorite loungewear and make my way down into the studio. I clean my table to start the day — light incense and candles while listening to some of my favorite podcasts.
How did you get started with ceramics? And what has your path been like from the beginning to where you are today?
My passion for ceramics began in high school. I immediately fell in love with hand building, spending every free period I could in the art room working on new pieces. After school I tried to keep practicing as much as I could but it was difficult without having a space to do so. Once I got my own home, I was able to set up my studio and get back to what I love.
What does a typical day look like as a business owner?
I’m constantly jotting down ideas and researching random things, and completing a variety of tasks. Between learning the business side, experimenting with new ideas, posting on social media, updating the Etsy shop, engaging with customers, and obviously creating the pieces, I’m often working on many things at once.
Your aesthetic is sleek and effortless. How has this artistic point of view evolved over time?
I’ve always loved a modern, minimal, organic style. I think that style is always evolving and being perfected. Having my own home has helped inspire me to think of what type of home pieces I want and helped me as a designer. Our home is another thing we are often working on, dreaming about, and improving.
“The earthen customer loves minimal and modern organic pieces. They appreciate the feel and look of something made by hand, loving each unique detail.”
How did your partnership with STUMP come to fruition?
I love STUMP and felt it would be a great venue for a pop-up. Their aesthetic also appeals to a minimal, modern home and I was so excited to see my pieces set up in their store. I reached out to the shop manager and he was kind enough to go with my idea and it was a great weekend!
What inspired the name earthen?
Earthen came from the term earthenware although; I don’t traditionally make this style of pottery, the name earthen just reminds me that the clay comes from the Earth and is formed from dirt into the final work.
How would you describe the earthen customer?
The earthen customer loves minimal and modern organic pieces. They appreciate the feel and look of something made by hand, loving each unique detail.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
My favorite part is physically creating the piece. Most of my ideas are just in my head and letting them come out from my hands into the piece is so relaxing and rewarding.
Talk about how your personal style influences what you create.
I feel my personal style influences every piece I make. Inspiration comes from everywhere, but my style tends to be cohesive whether it’s my clothes, furniture, or art pieces. All throughout these things I see minimal, simple items with texture.
“Most of my ideas are just in my head and letting them come out from my hands into the piece is so relaxing and rewarding.”
When you’re not in your studio, what do you enjoy in your down time?
I enjoy time with my husband, our dog, working in our home, or just hanging out eating good food and drinking wine.
What would surprise people the most about working with clay?
I feel the most surprising part about working with clay is how time consuming it can be. It’s really quite the process — especially when hand building and I don’t think everyone realizes how much goes into it. With mass produced items so abundant in retail stores, we can sometimes take for granted how much time and work a person puts into individual handmade pieces.
How do you approach sustainability in your work?
I try to be sustainable by using recycled and compostable packaging as much as possible. I reclaim clay once I build up enough scrap and give as many pieces life as I can. Many of the ceramics in my personal collection have small cracks or imperfections that may not be up to my standards to sell but still have a lot of use.
Any new projects or collaborations on the horizon?
In the start of January, I set a goal to make predominantly new pieces. While still working to keep some shop favorites available, I wanted to expand the options, letting the creativity flow. It’s very fun making new pieces and also great seeing past customers get excited about new product. Handmade candlesticks will be available soon, along with other home good products.
