Meet The Maker

My Journey as a Visual Designer and Ceramic Artist

Spencer is a Visual Designer and Ceramic Artist based in Rochester, MN. His path in the arts began with a passion for illustration, leading him to earn a dual Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Illustration from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2017. As his focus deepened toward ceramics, he launched his own studio, SRJ Ceramics, where he creates work inspired by nature's beauty. In 2023, he expanded his skill set with a UX/UI Design Certificate from the University of Minnesota. Today, he bridges craft and technology through Project ALCC, his grant-funded research into laser engraving on ceramics. His work has been featured in publications and exhibitions across the U.S., and in 2022 and 2026 he was honored with the SEMAC Emerging Artist Grant. SRJ Ceramics remains a space where he blends design, technology, and ceramics, crafting pieces that are both functional and inspiring.

Ceramic Artist Statement

Spencer's work as a ceramic artist is inspired by a deep-rooted connection to both his family's tradition of craftsmanship and his lifelong fascination with the natural world. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of the natural sciences—geology and astronomy—he developed a curiosity about the landscapes, rocks, and celestial bodies that shape our environment. This curiosity now informs his art, as he explores the intersection of sky and earth through clay.

Creating with his hands is not just a process; it is a practice of reflection, balance, and tranquility. Through techniques like wheel throwing, carving, and mixed media, he crafts vessels that reflect the timeless relationship between humanity and nature. Each piece serves as a personal interpretation of the world around him, a human-made representation of the earth and sky, honoring the delicate beauty of our planet.