From the time I was in Kindergarten I knew Art would be my path both professionally and personally. I drew a lot of pictures that were both recognizable and relatable. I remember drawing people walking into Church. - praying hands and all. My teacher told my Mom and Dad to encourage art training. And that’s how it began. In 9th grade, I turned a corner. A new art teacher came into my life and with it – the whole world of art opened up to me. Mrs. Rowe changed my life. She helped me figure a path forward. When I started University, I was lucky enough to get into a Ceramics class at Central Michigan University. I ended up with a teaching credential majoring in Ceramics. I started teaching high school Ceramics as soon as I graduated. Teaching it every day helped me to hone my skills. I started my master’s degree soon after. The skills I find most essential are an intuitive sense of design. And a willingness to fail and start over again. An artistic resiliency. I’ve taken Ceramics classes, and other art classes around the world and have had the time of my life. If I had known that another passion would be glass art in addition to ceramics, I would have pursued glass as a medium earlier. But I didn’t know Glass was even a medium!

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I create functional ceramics and glass including dinnerware, sculpture, totems for garden art and glass abstract hanging chains, vases and bowls. I also draw and paint – and create jewelry.

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I taught Ceramics at UCSD and Mesa College for 30 years, and I am very proud that I helped introduce art and beauty into the lives of thousands of students and their families.

 

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The ability to create beauty out of raw material never ceases to cause me wonder. I consider myself to be a creator of functional beauty. I want people to be able to use objects of beauty in their own lives. Being able to eat off of ceramic plates that I created – and drink from glasses and goblets I blew – brings me great joy. I want to share that joy with others.

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Contact Info: Email: pgyockey@gmail.com