Shine Big Ceramics
About
Shine Big Ceramics is the ceramic design studio of painter and artist Christopher St. John. After working 18 years in painting and garnering awards, collectors, and gallery representation both in the United States and in France, I decided to explore ceramics as a way to broaden both my practice and my artistic vision. Shine Big focuses on unique handbuilt ceramic design with a focus on animals and the luck we have living on a planet with a biome.
In addition to my artistic practice, I have been active as a teacher the past five years. I currently teach two class here at the Maude Kerns Art Center in Eugene, Or, Life Drawing and Advanced Life Drawing.
shinebigceramics.wixsite.com/christopher-st-john
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically, I like to look at the work a student has done both in class and outside of class. The work done outside of class is more important to me. I like to talk about materials the student has used. The way that the student can articulate their process and their experience using materials gives me a good sense of how to structure my lesson plans and the overall goal for our collective sessions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BFA from the University of Alaska, and I have been active as a professional artist for the past 18 years, with a robust exhibition schedule.
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching comes naturally to me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students in classroom settings, one-on-one, students with special needs, as well as adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The recent opening of my exhibition "Singing the Animal, Singing the Earth" was such a tremendous success. It was such a great experience connecting with audiences and finally sharing all the hard work I had done to bring this vision to light.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Many teachers provide how-to instructions, and it is relatively easy to follow along and learn a step-by-step method. A better student teacher relationship is one that builds on trust and gives the student a sense of a journey. Students should feel heard, and art should not be boring.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to learn?
Where do you want to be at the end of this?
Are you willing to take direction, even if it means being taken outside of your comfort zone?
Do you need to care about audience approval so much?