Wit and Whimsy

By Jill Duff-Hoppes

Jacki Clark Somake’s mushroom-inspired menorah that was featured on Kveller.

Like a lot of people during the Covid-19 pandemic, Central Florida native Jacki Clark Somake took up a new hobby. For Jacki, what started as a mere diversion has turned into something much deeper – a way to feel closer to her Jewish roots.

Jacki, a 33-year-old lawyer, began working from home in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.

“I started to get a little stir-crazy,” says Jacki, a Lake Brantley High School graduate. “I’ve always been artistic and really enjoyed doing craft projects.”

So, Jacki bought a kiln and a slew of other supplies and set up a ceramics studio in her garage at home. She taught herself through online videos, social-media postings, and trial and error.

A Journey Through Judaism

Jacki specializes in whimsical, nature-inspired Judaica artwork, although that wasn’t a goal at first.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted when I started out – I just wanted a hobby,” says Jacki, who lives in Orlando with husband Joseph Somake. “I kind of gravitated toward Judaica.”

As she was seeking inspiration online, Jacki saw a dearth of lighthearted Judaica artwork that’s created domestically. So, she found a way to help fill that gap.

Jacki created an Etsy shop to sell her handmade ceramic items, which include menorahs, mezuzah cases, Shabbat candle holders, and Seder plates. The adorable and colorful items are functional for ceremonial and ritual use for Jewish traditions. She also crafts non-Judaica pieces including mushroom pencil holders and cute catch-all dishes in the shape of dogs.

In November, her rainbow mushroom menorah was featured online by the Jewish blog Kveller as one of the best Hanukkah menorahs on the internet. That piece went on to become her biggest seller. She has also sold her fanciful mezuzah cases through ModernTribe, an online store for contemporary Jewish gifts.

“I don’t take myself too seriously as an artist,” says Jacki. “My goal is just to make things that people like and want to display.”

Playing with ceramics in her garage is a fun change of pace for Jacki, who works for a labor and employment law firm in Orlando. She earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Central Florida and a law degree from the University of Florida.

Jacki loves celebrating Jewish traditions and has traveled to Israel twice. During her high-school years, she was very active in BBYO, a Jewish youth organization. And at UCF, she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, a Jewish sorority.

A New Purpose

After the Hamas-led attacks against Israel last year, Jacki donated all her Etsy proceeds for the month of October to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

“Especially after October 7, I’ve been searching for ways to feel more connected to Jewish people and Judaism in general,” says Jacki. “This has been a good outlet for me – making art and feeling like I’m contributing to people’s traditions and keeping those sorts of things alive.”

To learn more about the artist, find her on Instagram @somakeceramics.

This story was originally published in print in Spring 2024.