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Meet The Artist – Spencer Johannes

Spencer Johannes – Potter 

Artist statement:

My family has a rich history of people working with their hands, which certainly influenced my choosing to work with clay. In striving for balance in my life, I’ve found that working with my hands is a mental exercise that helps me realize a sense of tranquility. Through my work with clay, I feel more connected to my surroundings and to the planet. 

The fascination I currently have with both sky and earth grew out of my curiosity with Earth Sciences such as Geology and Astronomy. This interest has been continually present in my life since childhood from the geodes and rocks displayed in our home and the home of my grandparents. I now seek out opportunities to explore and investigate my surroundings to gain inspiration through natural sources such as constellations, timber, rocks, water, and land formations. These explorations inspire me with new ideas and materials to work with, as my recent attraction to lumber and aged timber. Utilizing a variety of forming techniques such as wheel throwing, carving, and woodworking, as well as mixed media applications, I strive to create vessels that are man-made representations of earth and sky.

Biography:

Spencer is a studio potter from Sartell, Minnesota. He graduated from Moorhead State University Minnesota in the spring of 2017 where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Illustration, a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Emphasis Ceramics, and Certificate in Professional Portfolio Development. While attending college, Spencer thought he wanted to be an illustrator, but once he discovered his passion for clay, there was no turning back.  He currently resides in Rochester, MN. One of his personal achievements was obtaining the necessary equipment to run a ceramic studio within six months of graduating college. Since he began his studio, his work has been exhibited throughout the United States, and he has been featured in the “Design & Living Magazine.” These days you can find Spencer working in his studio, enjoying time with family and friends, learning a new craft, or playing board games.