Jeff Oestreich (b. 1947) studied at Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota. He also apprenticed under Bernard Leach for two years in England. Oestreich is considered, by many, to be one of the premier potters working in the United States. For the past forty years, he has devoted himself to the creation of tableware.
A consummate craftsman, function is at the core of Oestreich's work. He states, "My early pottery training at the Leach Pottery in England in the late 1960's was heavily influenced by Japanese pottery, due to the fact that Bernard spent many years making work in Japan. Since that experience my work has slowly moved away from this direct influence. Although there are still the underpinnings of the pottery of Japan, China and Korea in my work, that being simplicity, directness of approach, I am currently doing salt glazing, which has its origins in Germany. I have one foot in Japan, one in Germany, and an interest in Art Deco architecture. All things considered, my approach is American, borrowing from as many sources that speak to me."
Oestrecih's work can be found in numerous Museum collections including the Everson Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Kansas City Museum of Art,
