My monstrous face jugs celebrate diversity and respect for all individuals, drawing inspiration from the animist impulse found in indigenous cultures in the Americas and worldwide. They offer a unique expression that doesn't directly represent the human face and acknowledges the monstrous history of genocide, appropriation, slavery, and separation that marks the bedrock of American culture.

As a Tennessee whiskey distiller, I'm deeply connected to the traditional local form of the whiskey jug, which holds a significant place in my heritage. Incorporating elements of the whiskey jug into my monstrous face jugs pays homage to my roots while blending tradition with innovation in my craft. It's a way for me to honor the past while exploring new possibilities as a craftsman.

My heritage trade bead jewelry is a fusion of the old and the new. I combine original 19th and 20th-century trade beads with smooth contemporary gemstones and glass to create striking and unique pieces. Whether you're looking for a valuable eye-popping necklace or a subtle accent bracelet (or another stretchy for the stack), I got you.

Scratyr Jason Lloyd Casale, born in Youngstown, Ohio, is a queer folk artist renowned for his distinctive Appalachian folk art pottery and beaded jewelry. He honed his artistic skills through formal education in art at Antioch College, where he delved into various forms of expression, and later received his degree in sculpture from Warren Wilson College. He has also studied at the Appalachian Center for Craft.

Inspired by the rugged beauty of the backwoods mountainous regions of mid-south Appalachia, Scratyr resides in the serene depths of middle Tennessee, where he embraces an off-the-grid lifestyle immersed in nature's splendor. Scratyr is a co- founder of the Chinkapin Craftstead in Woodbury, TN, a non-profit arts organization, which fosters an environment where artists have access to nature, art residencies, performing arts, and homesteading opportunities in rural Tennessee.

His artwork has placed in exhibitions the Cannon County Arts Center, the White Oak Craft Fair, and earned him a place at the renowned Rochester Contemporary Art Center (ROCO) in New York.

With over a decade of experience, Scratyr's craftsmanship reflects his exploration of spirit, nature, culture, color, and texture. Each piece he meticulously creates intertwines traditional forms with unique twists, often featuring monstrous elements such as sharp teeth and eyes, captivating audiences and transcending artistic boundaries.

Through his art, Scratyr invites viewers on a visual odyssey, where traditional meets the monstrous and extraordinary. His Appalachian folk art pottery and beaded jewelry serve as conduits to the essence of nature, evoking wonder and curiosity in those who behold his creations.