Wayne Hewell 14" Large Face Jug DP6044

Wayne Hewell is a 5th generation potter who mixes his own glazes and works in a studio along a dirt path leading to a chicken house in Gillsville, GA. The Hewell family has been creating pottery for over 100 years. He uses wild clay from Georgia, fires in a wood-fired kiln, and uses Tobacco Spit or Alkaline glazes to create the greenish, runny surfaces on the jugs. 

This face jug presents a striking, sculptural interpretation of the Southern face vessel tradition. The elongated form is anchored by a deeply expressive face, with exaggerated ears and a pronounced nose that extends into the vessel’s body, giving the piece both humor and gravity. A layered, variegated glaze in soft celadon greens, blues, and earthy tones flows organically across the surface, punctuated by dramatic iron-red runs that read as tear-like streaks descending from the eyes. The surface treatment enhances the emotional weight of the piece while highlighting the kiln’s influence, creating a painterly, almost weathered patina.

The rear handle and balanced proportions maintain its functional jug lineage, while the sculptural face elevates it firmly into the realm of contemporary Southern folk art. Rooted in the Gillsville pottery tradition yet distinctly individual, this piece embodies both narrative expression and strong visual presence.

Stands an impressive 14" tall, about 11" wide and has a 6.5" base.

Ships with tracking and insurance for $30. Pottery does not ship outside the continental USA.