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Doug Jeppesen | Episode 1172
Doug Jeppesen earned a BA in Art History and a BFA in Art with an emphasis in ceramics from the University of Tulsa, and MFA from Northern Illinois University. Specializing in wood firing, Doug’s work has appeared in numerous national juried and invitational exhibitions across the United States and he was a panel member during the International Wood Firing Conference hosted by Northern Arizona University, and at the 2nd European Wood Fire Conference hosted by Guladagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Skaelskor Denmark.
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Why do you take teaching ceramics so seriously when they are only going to be there for two years?
I think they deserve to get the best possible education they can get. We are here for them and present this amazing material that we have and show them what it can be.
For you, what would you say makes a good teacher?
Well, I think somebody that is energetic, that’s going to listen, be there, and answer that question that, you know, that has been asked a billion times, but not by that person. And you have to be willing to answer that.
What makes you a good teacher?
I don’t know if I am a good teacher. I like what I do. I feel fortunate and I try to expose my students to so many different avenues.
What has kept you engaged with clay, and so enthusiast for all these years?
I think the amount of exploration. You can always find something new. If you are bored you are not asking the right questions.
What are the right questions?
I think any question is the right question. I don’t think there’s any wrong question, I think being curious…I remember walking into my undergrad professor’s office and I go, Hey Tom, what if I do whatever it was, thirty-something years ago. And he looks up from his desk and he goes, What if? I thought, what kind of answer was that? But he wanted me to try. And I really still ask my students that and I ask myself that. What if I do this? What if I try this?
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I’m curious from your perspective, when should a teacher call it quits?
You know, if you are frustrated coming in and you are just kind of going into your office and not doing anything and really not engaging those students, I think maybe that’s the time to do it. It’s hard to say, right? I think we all get frustrated and these things can weigh on us, but when it’s no longer enjoyable. I think that’s a time to think about it.
Book
Effortless Mastery by Kenny Warner
Contact
Etsy: @dougjeppesen
Instagram: @dougjeppesen