In early 2017, Jim and Brenda developed a new vision for their work. The vision included the work done on the LickinFlames line, but included new and functional pieces that, because of the very nature of raku, carbon painting and obvara, were unobtainable without an additional new direction.

We thought about re-creating our original "High Prairie Pottery" line. It included all the elements we were considering, but while we still smile when we work with out vintage pottery pieces, we had some new [profiles and new glazes that we wanted to develop. While all our work comprises a series of elements that build upon each other like blocks, we were seeking something different.

The glazes we used in the 70s and 80s, don't have "hand feel" that we sought. The pallet of color of the 70s and 80s work was not very rich. The High Prairie Pottery line was decorated with scenes inspired by the plateaus of Eastern Idaho. Jim wanted a warm feel in the hand, a wide pallet of visual texture and color and he wanted all of these qualities on functional ware that was "easy on the eye." What has transpired is a line built on simple forms that are all of the vision and more. Hobnob is soft in the hand and fun to turn to see all the subtleties of the warm glazes. Jim may be a bit prejudice but he's loving the new Hobnob Pottery.

Why is called "Hobnob?"...it's the road we live on and we've said since we moved here that folks come to visit and "hobnob" on the property.