Don John’s Studio Pottery

Photo Michael Shea

We are huge appreciators of mid century studio pottery, and it began with my time during High School learning about ceramics from my mentor/teacher Jack Schaeffer. He taught us traditional Japanese high firing techniques, crystalline glazes, wood ashes, and the beauty of lightweight turning on the wheel. Of all the fine ceramic studios of the 60s and 70s, Don John’s stands out for us. The technical mastery of wheel and hand work, imaginative forms, and combinations of staining and glazing were innovative, beautiful and always practical.

Photo Michael Shea

Photo Michael Shea

Don Arthur Johns (1935-2017) was a well known ceramicist known for his art pottery and sculpture. He exhibited at the Syracuse Ceramic Nationals in 1956 and 1964 from Elgin, Illinois, while later residing in North Carolina. His work often featured slab-built vase forms with decorative elements, like Egyptian imagery. He was also a Vasefinder listed artist. Don Johns created a variety of pottery forms, including vases, urns, bowls and other functional vessels.