Jacob’s work is increasingly broadening new possibilities of ceramic display. It confronts and embraces larger architectural spaces and smaller more intimate recesses. The new installations collaborate with their environment and dramatise the space.

His wheel thrown work treats the containing vessel as a metaphor for human consciousness. In this way he is able to tackle more conceptual subject matter, such as the vanitas and memento mori themes, inspired by Dutch 17^th century Still Life paintings.

In more recent work, Jacob’s preoccupation has lain with interpreting man’s attempts to rationalise the abstract through surface texture and colour: such as sounds in music scores, human identity in DNA samples and changes in weather patterns. This has led to a highly original diversification of techniques and approaches, resulting in a very distinctive output.

The work is usually unglazed and heavily textured, creating a uniquely haptic and tactile experience. The work challenges common perceptions of beauty. Its rough finish has a natural sumptuousness that is disturbing, yet yields striking and universal associations. All his work attempts to heighten the viewer’s sensory perceptions and highlight more conceptual elements within ceramics.

Jacob’s work is collected and exhibited internationally. He also works to commission.