About

Hello. My name is Jon. I am a happy husband, father, and ceramicist. Professionally, I describe myself as a “teaching artist”. Nothing is more rewarding for me than being in the studio classroom, engaging with a wide range of approaches, experimenting with multiple techniques, developing new perspectives or ideas, and interacting with diverse individuals and life experiences to solve problems that will lead to exceptional results. My goal, ultimately, is to continue making things that are beautiful to me and help others create beauty for themselves that is authentically expressive, skillfully crafted, and intrinsically meaningful.

My love and affinity for pottery began in high school art class when I first got access to a kick wheel and a kiln. The hand building and sculptural projects were great but it was something entirely different when I finally got to try my hand at wheel throwing. I vividly remember centering that first lump of clay. It was the most thrilling and vibrant sensory experience for me despite having no proficiency with the craft at all. I kept going back to the wheel that semester because I instantly knew it was what I needed and what satisfied me on the deepest, most therapeutic level. After graduating high school, I abandoned working with clay for years, still pursuing art but focusing my undergraduate studies mainly on 2-dimensional media: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and graphic design. Looking back, it was the 3D  and sculptural classes, however, that allowed me to truly express myself in the most natural and comfortable way. Additionally, many courses in Art History and Philosophy both informed and strengthened my work. My confidence as an artist grew as a result, but I had this persistent feeling that something was still missing.

After getting a BA in Studio Art, I held a long-term substitute position that convinced me to get a Masters of Teaching degree. And I did. Getting that confirmation as an educator added a crucial piece of the puzzle in my life story, but it wasn’t until I chose to take some ceramics courses for continuing education credits, that everything snapped back and into focus and I realized what was missing in my artistic endeavors all those years.  

Since 2015 I have been primarily working in ceramics. I have found it to be an ever-evolving exploration of myself as an individual and as a brand. My vision for Holman Ceramics is to make objects that are intimate, unique, and precious. Whether used for utilitarian purposes or as an aesthetic accessory, I hope that my artworks add beauty and joy to wherever they travel.