About ME
I am a ceramic artist who enjoys making a variety of work. I primarily use the potters wheel to create my work. It is something I fell in love with, when it was introduced to me in high school.
I am a father of four awesome kids, who keep me busy as can be.
I am currently an adjunct ceramics professor at Calvin University.
CV
EDUCATION
Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL
· Masters of Fine Art- in progress
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
· Masters of Art Education- in progress
· I have completed all courses except for my thesis work.
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
· Bachelor of Fine Arts-Graduated 2005
· Bachelor of Art Education K-12-Graduated 2009
Bethany Christian High School, Goshen, IN
· Graduated 1999
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Raku Workshop
Michigan State University
April 11, 2024
· Led raku firing workshop with advanced ceramic class at MSU
Adjunct Professor of Ceramics.
Calvin University
Fall 2022-Present
· Led instruction for Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced level ceramic classes.
· Maintained and prepped the studio
· Participated in BFA reviews and applications
Studio Potter
2014-Present
· I have been working as a studio potter creating and selling work at various outlets. As a studio potter I have taught individual ceramic classes and developed and designed my own style of ceramic work. I have consistently sold my work locally.
Agape Homeschool Ceramic Teacher
Alto, MI 2015-2020
· Taught ceramics to 5-16 year old children.
Contract Instructor Cook Arts Center
Grand Rapids, MI, January 2011-20014
· Family Pottery Class
o Taught parents and their children ceramics skills through a variety of ceramic projects.
· 5-8 Year Old Pottery Class
o Taught beginner ceramics skills using a variety of instruments and projects.
· 9-16 Year Old Pottery Class
o Taught beginner and intermediate ceramics skills through engaging with their experiences.
Student Teacher, Ionia Public High School
Ionia, MI, Spring 2009
· Prepared and executed lesson plans
· Taught Drawing and Photography for High School Students
· Taught Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics to Middle School Students
Student Teacher, K.E.C. Mayfield
Grand Rapids, MI, Spring 2009
· Prepared and executed lesson plans
· Taught Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics to Middle School Students
Teacher Aide, Grand Rapids Christian High School
Grand Rapids, MI, Fall 2007
· Observed and taught lessons in art classes
· Helped with art room upkeep and cleaning
· Graded assignments, gave group and individual critiques
Studio Technician, Calvin College Ceramics Department
Grand Rapids, MI, Fall 1999-Spring 2005, Spring 2007-Fall 2008
· Led Classes in absence of Professor
· Participated led in group critiques
· Assisted Students with obtaining skills in ceramics
· Maintained Studio and Equipment
· Mixed Glazes
· Load and Fire Kilns
· Ordered Glaze Chemicals and Clay
Studio Technician, Calvin College Photography Department
Grand Rapids, MI, Spring 2001-Fall 2004, Fall 2007-Fall 2008
· Assist students with developing photography skills
· Prepared and maintained photography studio Chemicals and Equipment
· Worked with students on critiquing and improving their work.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Muskegon Museum of Art Regional Competition 2000,
Friends of Art Award
Sandra Bowden Scholarship in Art, 2003
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2000 Livonia Area Arts Council Juried Exhibition, Livonia Mi.
Muskegon Museum of Arts Juried Exhibition, Muskegon Mi.
2001 Kalamazoo Art Institute Juried Exhibition, Kalamazoo MI.
Muskegon Museum of Arts Juried Exhibition, Muskegon Mi.
Lowell Area Arts Council Juried Exhibition, Lowell MI
2002 Group Show, Gallery Arcadia, 959 Lake Dr. Grand Rapids, MI.
2003 Free Radical Art Exhibition, Grand Rapids MI.
2004 BFA Group Show, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
2007 Solo Exhibition, Gerbens Art Loggia, Grand Rapids, MI
2009 Art Education Group Show, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
2020 Accepted as a member at Flat River Gallery, Lowell, MI
2023 Kalamazoo Art Institute Juried Exhibition, Kalamazoo, MI
2024 Lowell Area Arts Council Juried Exhibition, Lowell, MI
Transforming a ball of clay into a vessel, functional or sculptural is an endlessly fascinating experience. And it does not matter if I am watching someone else or if I am the one creating. As a potter working with wheel-thrown vessels, I make ceramic vessels to reflect my innate curiosity: Whether it is the shape, function, meaning or glazing, some aspect of my is galvanized by inquisitiveness.
A form with a hollow in the middle tacitly begs for utilitarian use, so I play with this idea: moving back and forth between making things that have directed purpose, to making objects that hold only ideas. The core of what I do is bound in the actions of my hands, how they are able to manipulate clay, moving it and form it into so many evocative shapes with (and without) didactic purpose.
Glazes too ignite my imagination and fuel my joy: allowing me to transform meaning into color, to gesture towards a buried idea, or to spread the simple gratification of a morning coffee.
