Alabama Craft Guild

John was born in Florida and grew up in Alabama.  After a tour of duty in the Navy he attended Troy University at Troy, Alabama, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Science.

After teaching in the Florida Keys, he moved to Alaska in 1968 and there he stayed for the next 30 years. His experiences living in the Alaska Bush as Teacher, Bush Pilot, and Public Health worker, all provided the inspiration for his work.

"I make functional, decorative pottery of reasonable durability for everyday use. It is my intent that my pots will delight the eye and engage the user, whether in the hand or on the shelf. My pots are food safe and can be used under what might be called classic pottery use conditions. With reasonable care, they will last a lifetime, and with a little luck, last for generations to come."

John’s early work was as principal sculptor, designer, and mold maker for his studio in Soldotna, Alaska. The work was primarily of Alaska themes –– Alaska natives, animals, activities, and lifestyles.

"Currently I am the Resident Ceramist at Artists on the Bluff, a new art incubator housed in the old Bluff Park Elementary School in Bluff Park. My studio is Unit three, where I both work and teach. I offer instruction in throwing pottery on the potters wheel, hand building, slip casting and mold making for slip cast ceramics. My work is on display in the Soon Bok Lee Sellers Gallery at Artists On The Bluff.

"I do accept commissions and I do production runs of custom ceramic products for commercial and corporate interests, corporate gifts, etc."