Education/Teaching Background

I was born in Illinois, have lived in Minnesota, and California but now call Utah home. I started college at The College of San Mateo (CA) before attending Chapman University (CA) to complete my BA, then four years at Brigham Young University (UT) for my MFA in 1977; this photo of me was taken during my graduate work at BYU. My original intent was to teach high school Algebra and Geometry but in order to graduate from Chapman University I had to complete a two credit art class... thus the clay altered my objective towards teaching ceramics, which I did for 12 years at Brigham Young University (1977-89). I had other teaching ventures as well; 12 years at The Waterford School and 2 years at The Meridian School, both K-12 private schools, as well as several years teaching within the Utah Valley Community Education art program, the Springville Museum of Art, Utah Valley University and occasionally as a substitute teacher for both Provo and Alpine School Districts.

My own pottery business began in 1978, 10 years after my first pottery class, in Provo, Utah, in a small basement studio where I created my pottery and established 'Area 10 Pottery'. Though I had been making pottery since 1968 it seemed time to elevate my profession and productivity. Soon individuals wanting to learn pottery inquired if I offered classes, and this has now become a 50 year involvement in making and teaching pottery.

Artist Philosophy

My mathematics background continues to influence the ceramic forms, colors and the decorations I use. I continue to explore the expanding science of glazes. Although I am mostly self taught, I do acknowledge that three instructors; a glass blower, a clay hand-builder, and a sculptor have influenced me in positive ways. Working with clay has become a gift, a chance to explore and share, and as always, clay remains my mentor and my humbler.

In 1994 I established 'White Stone Pottery'. My objectives and expectations matured and I recognized more my heading. I realized that my product was becoming more defined by the time and effort I put into each clay child. I enjoyed each canvas I made and the unique possibilities of each piece overshadowed concerns of the time spent. My production numbers began to hover at 300 pieces a year, a relatively small number. But just as I do best when teaching only 7 students at a time, I do best when I produce less. "Less is more,” as quoted by one of my design professors. So 'White Stone Pottery' takes a step backwards in order to move forward. Trying to focus 'less' on quantity and 'more' on quality, and it’s succeeding. Because of increased client support and the positive response from festival participants, and my students, for which I am always grateful, I will continue to produce one idea, one inspiration, and one piece at a time.

CLAY ARTISTS; Edward W. Ham and Sue Ham.