Jacqueline Thompson was born in London, England. She studied and worked as a graphic designer until 1987 when she changed careers to ceramics. She emigrated to the U.S. in 1979 and became a citizen in 1989.

"I've always had a strong attraction to ceramics. Even whilst working in the advertising business I frequently attended local pottery classes. Always trying to decorate my work in the brightest glazes I could find, only to have them burn out in the high firing need for stoneware which was popular then. So in hot pursuit of bright glazes I found a crafts shop that had some little jars of underglaze colors. These were mostly used by hobbyists but it occurred to me that I had found the bright colors at last. That's what I use to this day but in bigger quantities!"

"My inspiration mostly comes from my love of travel. The geometric textiles of Nigeria. Russian constructivism. Mexican and Spanish folk art. The fabric from Thailand etc., as well as graphic and typographical design, and of course nature's colors and designs all help to inspire me."

"I'll use simple forms that gives me room to paint and that usually translates to the bowl or cylinder format. This allows me the ample space I need for my designs. I try to make the designs an integral part of the form. I'm always working on new designs - I sometimes wonder if I will ever get designer's block, touch wood it hasn't happened yet.