Maggie Jones

Old Fort, NC

MAGGIE: A Retrospective Celebrating 55 Years of Clay (May 1 - June 6, 2026) showcases Maggie Jones’s creative journey from age 15 to now. A nationwide journey of workshops in her 20’s led to developing a strong production style that is ubiquitous and celebrated by collectors, regionally and abroad. Following her curiosity and whimsy led to the expansion into one-of-a-kind sculptures and art pottery that elevate the home with joyful elegance.

Artist Statement

I have been making a living with my craft since the early 1970's. The Blue Flower and Dragonfly pattern has been popular since 1984. It is a white glaze with brushed decorations of blue flowers, dragonflies, and yellow and green accents. I use durable stoneware clay that is microwave and oven-safe, functional, and decorative. I still get calls from customers who have hunted me down, looking to replace the mug they broke.

In the 2000s, I discovered antique art pottery, mostly from the late 1800's to the Arts and Crafts Movement, and became inspired by those forms. I began producing pottery reminiscent of early Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts forms, and nature-inspired pieces. It is my intention to continue this theme. Since the storm, changes in resources and material supplies have challenged everyone working with clay to rethink their studio practice. 

Over my 50-year career as a potter, I have collected wild dirt and clays from all over the country and filled sketchbooks with ideas of how to use them. The demands of making a living and raising a family never allowed time to follow these paths, but now my circumstances have changed. I have started making wild things with wild clays! Metaphorically, I started my career looking at a field of wildflowers. Mid-career, I stepped into the field and observed individual blossoms. Now I am reaching into the ground itself and creating altogether new plant forms.

Maggie Jones

turtleislandpottery.com