Jo Connell
I aim to help students develop their own ideas through experimentation. I tend not to set fixed projects but encourage students to work individually. My job is to suggest avenues of exploration and to guide them through, giving as much technical information and advice as they need along the way.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?Students should gain a lot of technical knowledge and new ideas about how to use the various methods which I will demonstrate. Using my decoration techniques, students may use any method of making from throwing to hand building.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I have taught ceramics at all levels for many years so have a very broad approach to the material. What I have become known for is the use of coloured clays to hand-build sculptural vessels. Through marbling, layering, laminating and stretching I create interesting surfaces combining subtle colour with strong texture. Current developments lean towards various methods of printing directly onto clay surfaces.
What inspires your own work?My work is very much influenced by the natural world. Interpretations of landscape, seascape and rock strata can be clearly recognized. I am also fascinated by plants and their structure, which combines strength with delicacy.
Where can students see examples of your work?Bell Fine Art, Winchester Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Galleries, St Paul’s, Birmingham Michaelmas House, Market Bosworth My own studio
Where did you gain your training? Experience?
Diploma in Art & Design. North Staffordshire Polytechnic 1972
Post Grad Teacher Training Certificate, University of Nottingham 1973
26 years teaching mostly in further and higher education. Most of this has been ceramics but also jewellery, glass & design/drawing. Add to this 10 years of teaching at West Dean, occasional visiting lecturer at universities, schools workshops, running own courses, etc.
Is your work in any public or private collections?Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery
Have you written any books/had articles published?The Potters Guide to Ceramic Surfaces : Apple (UK) Krause (USA) & other countries (France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Japan) 2002 Colouring Clay : A&C Black Handbook Series 2007 (also PA University Press, USA)
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?The Craft Potters Association Royal Birmingham Society of Artists