Biography:
Jennie Ashcraft Berman
Email: jashcraftb@bellsouth.net
About the Instructor:
Jennie received her pottery education, starting in 1974, as a studio potter apprentice, a Callanwolde Arts Center Pottery Assistant, and summer workshops and assistantships at Penland School of Crafts, The Hambidge Center and Valdosta State College, as well as numerous workshops including Don Reitz, Tom and Elaine Coleman, Paul Soldner, Ron Meyers, Peter Voulkos, Silvie Granatelli and many others. She has been a studio potter and Callanwolde Pottery Instructor since 1978, with some time off to be a stay-at-home mom. She is co-owner of Berman Gallery, Inc., with her husband Rick Berman.
Jennie makes functional porcelain and stoneware pots. Recently, she has been in shows at The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, The Hambidge Center Gallery, Chastain Arts Center, and The Swan Coach House Gallery. She currently sells her work at Callanwolde, Chastain, Hambidge Gallery and an annual home Holiday Sale with Rick.
Teaching Style:
In the first Beginning/Intermediate class, I assess the different skill levels of the students, and give a studio tour and review of the rules. I do a demo of the basics of throwing, and then the students will have a chance to work on the wheel. I make functional pots, so that is my focus. I then help people individually, as well as in a group and gear the instruction so different skill levels are covered. I mostly start each class with time to work, and then a demo of different forms and techniques, followed by more hands-on work. I usually don?t give assignments, unless someone asks, as I know students are in class for a variety of goals. I show images or bring in examples of pots that I like, to discuss forms and glazes. Students? work will be discussed at each stage, when possible. I don?t give homework, but encourage students to come in during open studio to practice.
In the Intermediate/Advanced class, my style is basically the same, but the instruction is on more advanced techniques and forms.
