Jerry Traunfeld
and Orchid Tree Pottery

I loved making pottery when I was young, but I spent most of my life as a chef, cookbook author, and restaurant owner in the Seattle area.

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When I retired from cooking and moved to Palm Springs in late 2019, I finally had the time to get my hands in clay again. When COVID hit, I bought a potter’s wheel, placed it in my garden shed, and spent my days relearning to throw. The next year I bought a kiln, studied how to mix my own glazes, and began to design lamps.

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At Orchid Tree Pottery I create stoneware vessels made to hold and emit light. Simple hand thrown forms are assembled into sculptural lamps. They are finished with richly textured glazes and wired with stylish cords. 

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The lamps are available retail in Palm Springs at Fos Interiors or directly from the pottery. Custom commissions are accepted. Please contact me through instagram to inquire about purchasing one.