DeLana Hornbeck
First let me say how glad I am that you are doing something for Jeff.
I did not know Jeff well, but over many years and small experiences, I felt I knew him a bit. When he was a high school senior he was sent to me to help him photograph his very ordinary beginning clay pieces for his portfolio. He went off to school for several years, and soon after returning to the Lehigh Valley, we saw some very interesting pottery beginning to appear. He set up his studio a couple of miles from me, and began to become noticed in the community. He became a studio on the Leigh Valley's Hidden Treasures Studio Tour for many years.
Doing the Buyer’s Market of America one year, I was located next to Jeff and in the quiet times we would chat. I discovered his knowledge of ceramic history and philosophy which came as a bit of a surprise. And as time went by, his deep care for craftsmanship revealed itself. So, I asked him if he would do a demo afternoon for the local clay group. He agreed, and we all were treated to a very quiet, slow, meditative demo of surface decoration with very little talking, only answering questions. We witnessed a very special artist at work in the most serious way.
Jeff often felt no one would pay him what his work was worth; he probably was right. I personally feel privileged to have known him and to have witnessed his depth.
DeLana Hornbeck
December 9, 2020
First let me say how glad I am that you are doing something for Jeff.
I did not know Jeff well, but over many years and small experiences, I felt I knew him a bit. When he was a high school senior he was sent to me to help him photograph his very ordinary beginning clay pieces for his portfolio. He went off to school for several years, and soon after returning to the Lehigh Valley, we saw some very interesting pottery beginning to appear. He set up his studio a couple of miles from me, and began to become noticed in the community. He became a studio on the Leigh Valley's Hidden Treasures Studio Tour for many years.
Doing the Buyer’s Market of America one year, I was located next to Jeff and in the quiet times we would chat. I discovered his knowledge of ceramic history and philosophy which came as a bit of a surprise. And as time went by, his deep care for craftsmanship revealed itself. So, I asked him if he would do a demo afternoon for the local clay group. He agreed, and we all were treated to a very quiet, slow, meditative demo of surface decoration with very little talking, only answering questions. We witnessed a very special artist at work in the most serious way.
Jeff often felt no one would pay him what his work was worth; he probably was right. I personally feel privileged to have known him and to have witnessed his depth.
DeLana Hornbeck
December 9, 2020