artist statement

My sculptures are created for the inner child in all of us. In an era of automation and depersonalization, I’m drawn to moments of nostalgia and memories of a former life that feel analog, tangible, simple, innocent and playful. I invite reflection on how this trend towards individuality pulls focus from community and influences the way we nurture and care for one another. Much of my imagery surrounds aging, shifts in caretaking roles, and offering a playful and surreal re-interpretation of everyday life; this allows me to approach both humor and tenderness at the same time.

I’m drawn to clay, specifically coils and sculptural works, because of its close connection to the maker. I use washes to highlight texture, fingerprints, and imperfections, promoting honesty and drawing attention to the work’s handbuilt nature. Hand-painting underglaze and glaze gives me the opportunity to be intentional. In addition to their playful scenes, my sculptures have bright colors and may incorporate other materials such as felted wool or metal, giving them a childlike and playful quality. My figures are often in nurturing or thoughtful poses, reflecting introspection, play, and family. This theme is also achieved by incorporating objects or settings associated with a pre-digital era.

Often bridging a connection between human and nature, my work celebrates childhood and innocence while commenting on larger shifts in the culture of community and play. I hope my work helps others come to terms with aging and responsibility while honoring childhood, bringing memories of things both general and individual that feel slow, simple, and joyful.

biography

Zoe Jackson (b.1997, Chicago, IL) is a queer, non-binary artist whose sculptural practice centers on playfulness, ageing, and celebrating childhood. They earned their Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019, and are currently based in San Francisco where they teach a variety of ceramics classes and workshops at a community studio. 

In addition to their studio practice, Zoe has curated numerous exhibitions, including 7x7 at Col Gallery (San Francisco), Chronicle: A Collection on Time and Memory at SOMarts (San Francisco), and Wedged at Art Lofts Gallery (Madison, WI). They have exhibited both locally and internationally, most notably at Ruby’s Clay Studio and Gallery, the Marin Society of Artists, and Col Gallery in San Francisco. 

In 2025, Zoe received the Bringle Outstanding Educator Scholarship at Penland School of Crafts. They continue to expand both their teaching and studio practice by incorporating new materials, refining figurative sculpting skills, curating exhibitions, and community building.