Jean has been teaching pottery and
ceramics in Southern California for over 20 years.
Currently, she is teaching at both
Rio Hondo College in Whittier and Fullerton College in Fullerton
California since 1985/1986. She
has also taught at La Sierra University in Riverside, CA (1999),
Cerritos College in Cerritos, California (1995), NAIUPS
University of California Irvine, Irvine, California (1993),
Cypress College in Cypress California (1982-1985), and
California State University Long Beach (1980-1984).
Jean’s teaching philosophy…
‘Today ceramics covers a wide scope from the traditional
functional wares to the contemporary fine-art approaches.
Because of this wide application
of ceramics it seems important to teach all of the technical
aspects of ceramics. The
traditional potter who makes functional ware needs all of the
skills of hand building and wheel-throwing in order to explore
and understand all of the aspects of his ware.
The contemporary
artist who uses clay as a medium often comes from a wheel
throwing background which gives one more skill to draw from in
his continual growth.
With an eye on the potential development of the beginning potter, I
feel it is important to cover all aspects of ceramics in the
beginning courses. All
of the and building techniques need to be thoroughly understood
as well as specific step by step instruction on the potter’s
wheel. The
concepts of good form and design are also important for the
beginning student to become aware of and continually stressed
throughout the teaching experience.
Many more technical skills such as glazing, decorating and plaster mold
making can be taught as the student progresses.
Exposure to historical,
traditional, and contemporary ceramics will help the student
choose the direction he wishes to develop his own work.'--Jean
Bliss
