Whipper Snapper, 2026

Jeremiah Ibarra

Earthenware, slip, decals

10 in x 7 in x 6 in

Jeremiah Ibarra creates functional ceramics infused with humor, nostalgia, and the visual language of popular culture. Drawing from hand-rendered imagery as well as newspapers, advertisements, cartoons, and other familiar sources, he transforms everyday objects into layered visual narratives.

Whipper Snapper invites you to look closely. A boxy green car straight from the 1980s, a map of the world, the cartoon character Olive Oyl, and an eclectic collection of other images cover the surface, offering new details to discover with every viewing. Its playful pink-and-black palette provides the backdrop for imagery chosen to make you think, remember, and smile.

And this is art meant to be used. Fill the pitcher with your drink of choice, gather some friends, and let Ibarra's wonderfully unexpected imagery become the start of a lively conversation.

Artist's Statement

I'm interested in elevating seemingly prosaic scenes and otherwise mundane objects with the aim of shedding light on socioeconomic disparities, thereby acknowledging where our intellectual and cultural developments thrive. My pots examine the arena of the commonplace by leaning into the familiar. Iconographic drawing on pottery is nothing new. Most folks might argue that pots have an inherent need for ornamentation. Drawings have the ability to both fill this role as well as transcend ornamentation all together. This is a lot to ask of any drawing or pot for that matter, but I am increasingly interested in this departure. My drawings, often allusions from North American pop culture, are meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The pantry references in my portfolio allude to growth, family, and valuing the meals and objects we live with and work for. These pieces offer a recollection on a common narrative. One that speaks to a culture of "getting by." These drawings dress up modestly glazed stoneware and terracotta tableware. In turn the pots become placeholders for commemorative china in a lower to middle class cabinet.

Artist Biography

Jeremiah Ibarra is a multidisciplinary artist native to San Angelo Texas, a city built on a bed of caliche along the Concho River. In 2014, He earned an MFA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where he studied under Louis Katz and Amber Scoon. Jeremiah has been invited to participate in a number of artist residencies, which include the Chautauqua School of Art, New Harmony Clay Project, 100 West Corsicana, and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. Exhibitions include: The 20th San Angelo National Ceramics Competition at SAMFA, Clay National XVII - The Autobiography of the Object at Carbondale Clay Center, and the 31st Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National in Lancaster, PA.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio.
• Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 12:00 pm on September 27th 2026.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.