Instructors
Bob Johnson
Bob has been teaching and working in ceramics since, as he says, "before the invention of dirt." He received a BFA and MFA from California College of the Arts (CCA) with a major in ceramics, and later taught at Chadron State College in Nebraska, and at New Mexico State University as a member of both the graduate and undergraduate faculties. He has shown in many galleries throughout the U.S. including the Fairtree Gallery in New York City, and his work is in various collections, such as New York State University at Buffalo, the permanent collection at CCA, and the Antonio Prieto Memorial Collection of Contemporary Ceramics at Mills College. Bob created Big River Pottery in New Mexico, selling his work throughout the U.S. (and working as a fireman while not doing pottery). He has taught at the Potters' Studio in Berkeley and Studio One in Oakland since 1990. He is also a musician playing bluegrass on the dobro in the Redwing Bluegrass Band.
Robert Abrams
Robby has been working with clay for over 17 years. After starting with pottery as a hobby in NY, Robert came to Berkeley, and the Potters' Studio to start his career as a professional ceramic artist. He has been teaching pottery and sculpture for 10 years. He has and MFA in sculpture from the Academy of Art University. Robert's artwork can be seen here at The Potters' Studio, often in local galleries and shows, or on line at CeramicCraft.com.
James Whiting
James is a ceramic artist, teacher and photographer living in the Bay Area. He lived in Japan for many years and his passion for the medium developed there; the Japanese aesthetic has greatly influenced his work. His current work is predominantly hand built. Over the years he has worked with a wide variety of techniques and is always exploring new ideas. He genuinely loves helping others and the many aspects of teaching: explaining processes, problem solving, listening, and helping students realize their potential and do the best work they can. You can learn about him and see his work at jameswhitingceramics.com.