Alan began shaping clay in the irrigation ditches of his childhood home in southern Colorado. His early cups and bowls failed to hold water. Decades later, after early retirement, he enrolled in a pottery class at a local community center and later in a Ceramics Arts class at Kansas City Kansas Community College. After three semesters and filling his relatives’ cupboards with his creations, they urged him to explore other hobbies. He then took classes in jewelry making, metal sculpting, stone carving, bronze casting, and woodworking, showing equal ineptitude in all. He eventually returned to pottery with another class at Johnson County Community College (instructor Laura Gascogne), followed by another at KCKCC (instructor Meridith Host).
Wanting to avoid doing yardwork at all costs, he purchased a pottery wheel and a kiln and proceeded to hang out in his shop (which he now referred to as his “atelier”) with his shop cat, Ozzie. Here he learned that he knew absolutely nothing about mixing glazes and operating a kiln, so he enlisted the help of a fantastic Edwardsville potter named Erin Shevling. Fortunately, she had lots of experience teaching elementary children, so she was able to explain the basics of glaze making and kiln firing to Alan.
Learning and practicing new methods and techniques have kept Alan off the streets, out of the bars, and away from his dreaded yardwork. While his products reflect poorly on all of those who have tried to train him, he continues to have a blast playing with clay.
Jamie is an oncology nurse. She became entranced with pottery by watching Alan make beautiful things. She is gradually making progress and is enjoying the craft. Her goal is to continue to gain skill and create appealing functional pieces. And….getting to spend time with Alan (and Ozzie the shop cat) are a bonus!
JAM CERAMICS 