Dutch Lake Pottery: Jeff Rottman

Since 2002, Jeff has been a studio potter working from his home and a community space at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As Jeff's life began in Fremont, Michigan, he always enjoyed the preparation of food and the process it involved. Being influenced by the importance of family and the attention to small details, the ordinary things became extraordinary as he saw the pride taken in simple daily tasks. Jeff believes that pottery has pulled all of those things together and gives him a full-time occupation to support his family with, through the process of making functional clay serving ware. 

Jeff's goal is to improve the quality of life for his family, community and customers by creating handmade pottery.  All of the pottery he sells is made exclusively by himself, giving each piece certain special attention.  The simplicity of his glaze application and form is designed to enhance the item that is being served on it adding to the experience through the presentation.  The inspirations of his collections come from his curiosity of unique serving dishes and cultural uses of ceramics as function in every day life.  Jeff feel my work parallels the serving styles of the current bistros, cafes, delicatessens and local restaurants. All of the glazes used in Dutch Lake Pottery pieces are lead-free, food, microwave and dishwasher safe. In addition, some pieces are also oven safe.