James Brashear

Artist Statement

My inspiration is nature, my vehicle is clay and my obsession is ceramic processes. Currently I am continuing a body of work in a vessel format using a combination of wheel-thrown and other forming techniques that are derivative of my past work. I choose the vessel because it is timeless and universal and represents social and spiritual associations.

By carving the surface with images concerning cycles inherent in both people and the natural world, I lead the eye around the work inviting the viewer to gather narrative fragments to compile their own story. They are not meant as a literal way to illustrate, but are tangible equivalents of my thoughts, emotions and experiences in a format that people can associate with and respond to.

James J. Brashear
Associate Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Teaching Philosophy

In teaching I feel it is very important to develop an environment that promotes and encourages the art making process. This environment is suggestive, supportive and flexible. I strive to create and maintain an open forum where group interaction encourages, challenges and fosters the creative experience. As a teacher I help students to formulate ideas and ask questions.

My curriculum encompasses utilitarian to sculptural ceramics. I teach students a ceramic vocabulary that draws from the history, aesthetics, technology, and techniques of ancient to contemporary ceramics. For the begining students this program provides an overview of the medium and its possibilities. For the advanced students, it fosters their development into aesthetically perceptive and technically proficient artitsts.

In teaching art, I believe it is important to encourage experimentation. By taking risks, students become open to personal growth and discoveries that would otherwise be unconsidered. I also encourage the development of a self-disciplined, vigorous and consistent work ethic. I believe it is important to give the students the language and the background to self-evaluate, examine and explain their work. As a teacher, I believe it is important to be a committed artist and demonstrate these qualities and activities in my own art-making process. Through teaching, I gain new perspectives to continually add to my own growth.

	Artist Statement My inspiration is nature, my vehicle is clay and my obsession is ceramic processes. Currently I am continuing a body of work in a vessel format using a combination of wheel-thrown and other forming techniques that are derivative of my past work. I choose the vessel because it is timeless and universal and represents social and spiritual associations. By carving the surface with images concerning cycles inherent in both people and the natural world, I lead the eye around the work inviting the viewer to gather narrative fragments to compile their own story. They are not meant as a literal way to illustrate, but are tangible equivalents of my thoughts, emotions and experiences in a format that people can associate with and respond to. James J. Brashear Associate Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks Teaching Philosophy In teaching I feel it is very important to develop an environment that promotes and encourages the art making process. This environment is suggestive, supportive and flexible. I strive to create and maintain an open forum where group interaction encourages, challenges and fosters the creative experience. As a teacher I help students to formulate ideas and ask questions. My curriculum encompasses utilitarian to sculptural ceramics. I teach students a ceramic vocabulary that draws from the history, aesthetics, technology, and techniques of ancient to contemporary ceramics. For the begining students this program provides an overview of the medium and its possibilities. For the advanced students, it fosters their development into aesthetically perceptive and technically proficient artitsts. In teaching art, I believe it is important to encourage experimentation. By taking risks, students become open to personal growth and discoveries that would otherwise be unconsidered. I also encourage the development of a self-disciplined, vigorous and consistent work ethic. I believe it is important to give the students the language and the background to self-evaluate, examine and explain their work. As a teacher, I believe it is important to be a committed artist and demonstrate these qualities and activities in my own art-making process. Through teaching, I gain new perspectives to continually add to my own growth.