6 THINGS WITH JESS SASSO

6 Things with Jess Sasso Founder of Twig & Beetle

Jess Sasso's love for ceramics ignited when she stumbled upon a pottery studio during a walk in Boston. Trading coasts for her passion, she settled in Los Angeles in 2020, diving deep into the art of pottery. Drawing inspiration from her Italian heritage and the elegance of Roman culture, Jess’s sculptural chained vessels are a testament to her artistry and the tales of generations. Each link in her creations is a celebration of heritage, hand-formed and perfectly imperfect. Discover an exclusive collection of her work on our platform.

1. What started it all for you?

A few months before the pandemic hit I was unhappy in my day job as a Human Resources coordinator at a hospital. I lived on the north shore of Boston and spent a lot of my free time going for long walks around my neighborhood. I passed a pottery studio one day and decided to step inside - I took one class and knew I was meant to be in relationship with clay. I quit my day job and moved across the country to LA in March of 2020 and I dedicated almost every day of the week to learning the basics of ceramics on the wheel. Through networking in the studio I landed some opportunities as a production potter for multiple talented ceramicists. Through those opportunities I was able to expand my knowledge and discover what elements of design and procedure I wanted to implement in my own line of work. Twig and Beetles’ inception was the winter of 2019 but my voice evolved by Fall of 2022.

2. What drives your creative spark?

Currently, I am deeply inspired by Roman pottery. I find this inspiration is very much intertwined with my Italian lineage and my familial history of sculptors and mason workers. When I look at books of Roman pottery from the 5th Century I feel a deep sense of connection and a drive to understand the ceramic techniques from my past.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

I was gifted a Persian rug from my dad when I graduated from high school. I’ve had this rug in every space I have owned for 15 years now! It has deep red, blue, brown and green hues that continue to influence how I decorate the rest of my home which is a grounded space usually filled with plants.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

To let go; embrace the unknown and unexpected.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

My dog has dinner at 5:00pm so I am usually rushing home from the studio to feed his hungry belly. After I feed him I usually crack open a Limoncello La Croix!

6. What are your 6 favorite accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@morgane_pasqualini_ceramique
@violanetoth.ceramic
@hilbastudio
@plantsandspaces
@nick.floral
@kelsrfloyd

"I am deeply inspired by Roman pottery. I find this inspiration is very much intertwined with my Italian lineage and my familial history of sculptors and mason workers. When I look at books of Roman pottery from the 5th Century I feel a deep sense of connection and a drive to understand the ceramic techniques from my past." -Jess Sasso

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANASTASIA PARKS