John Neely

John Neely, a ceramicist and Professor of Art in Ceramics at Utah State University in Logan, UT has established one of the strongest graduate programs in clay in the US. Many young potters’ are drawn to study with John because of his devotion to functional ceramics.

Through his own experiences as a young potter living and working in Japan in the 70′s, he encompasses the spirit of Japanese life and culture. John’s initial interest in Japan was sparked by learning about medieval stonewares at a high school age, and later the writings of Bernard Leach about the modern folk art movement taking place in Japan.

Given a research Grant by the Rockfeller foundation for continued study in Tokyo, John became entrenched in the ordinary details of day-to-day life (nichijo-sahanji, literally “everyday rice and tea,”) his focus shifted to the needs of the contemporary kitchen and the table top.

John’s approach lies somewhere between that of the alchemist and that of the scientist; discovery, rather than expression, is his primary motivation. John’s resulting pots are exquisite. Their use in service with tea or food prickles your awareness, and opens you, that you might enjoy the present moment fully.