Details
| First Name | Jordan |
| Last Name | Coons |
| Nickname | jordancoonsceramics |
My Ceramics
| In the studio I like to do | Throwing on the Wheel |
| Pottery Wheel | clayboss |
| Clay body | Stoneware |
| Clay Brand | b-mix |
| Kiln Type | Electric Kiln |
| Kiln Atmosphere | Oxidation Atmosphere |
| Temperature | Cone 5-6 |
| Glaze | I keep a very limited palette of glaze colors as my surface carving is the focus of my work. So I use a matte white, a charcoal black (clayscapes glaze), and a green patina. |
| You can buy my work from | my website http://www.jordancoonsceramics.com |
About Me
| Introduction | Jordan Coons is an accomplished ceramic artist and arts educator based in Syracuse, NY, whose work bridges the gap between craft and artistry. Her unique approach combines functional and conceptual elements, exploring themes of human nature, resilience, strength, and fragility. |
| What I Love about Ceramics | Ceramics is one of those mediums that has direct feedback upon manipulation. That instant dopamine hit always soothes my brain and is quite addicting. |
| How I started with ceramics | I began throwing when I was 15 years old in a high school ceramics class and continued from there. |
| What inspires me | I am inspired by human nature and the polarities and dualities we hold at any given moment. The concept of “perfection” is also a common thread within my work; what is perfection? How do we achieve it? Can we achieve it? How do we embrace flaws and even celebrate them? |
| What I'm working on at the moment | I specialize in double walled pottery where I carve intricate designs into the exterior vessel. I take that main model and apply it to many function al forms such as bowls, planters, mugs, cups and vases. |
| My Artist Statement | I am captivated by the metaphor of the body as a vessel. To me, each of my pieces represents a unique being, with an ornately carved and decorative exterior that mirrors the diverse ways in which we adorn our own bodies.Beyond its exterior beauty, however, each vessel also serves as a window into the inner self. Negative space offers glimpses of the inner vessel, a concept that speaks to our interactions with one another and the ability to truly see and know others beyond surface-level appearances.While the exterior of my work is visually striking, the functional interior is where its true value lies. My pieces serve multiple purposes, from drinking vessels to planters to bowls, much like the human body is both physically functional and home to the heart, soul, and mind.In embracing the uniqueness of each piece, I lean into the imperfections and challenge the rigid expectations of production pottery. Whether it’s a noticeable crack or a subtle slip-up from carving, every flaw offers an opportunity to sit with the discomfort of the intersection between unrealistic ideals and reality.My art speaks to the dehumanizing narratives that permeate our society, reminding us that we are all imperfect and vulnerable, with exteriors that can break at any moment. By treating one another with care and compassion, we can begin to see beyond the surface and connect with the complex heart, soul, and mind that resides within us all. |
| My CV | Education Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD Master’s in Art in Art Education, July 2017 State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY Bachelor’s of Science in Art Education, December 2010
Exhibitions/Art Festival awards/ Residencies 2023 ∙ 68th Rochester-Finger Lakes Artist Exhibition, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY ∙ “Alteration Station”, Morean Center for Clay, St. Augustine, FL ∙ The Cup Show, Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester, MA 2022 ∙ Installation at Downtown Grind, Elmira, NY (January-March) ∙ 65th Allentown Arts juried Festival, Buffalo, NY First Place Winner in the Clay Category ∙ Cornhill Arts juried Festival, Rochester, NY Third Place Winner in the Clay Category 2019 ∙ “Inspiring Thousands”, NYSATA Region 4 Art Educator Members show, Roberson Museum and Science Center, Binghamton, NY 2018 ∙ 4th Annual Juried Strawberry Swing Arts Festival, Kansas City, MO ∙ Lawrence Art in the Park Juried by Lawrence Arts Guild Lawrence, KS ∙ Final Friday Group Exhibition, Phoenix Gallery, Lawrence, KS 2017 ∙ Summer Second Year Residency at MICA ∙ “MICA Grad Show: Art Education MA”, Sheila & Richard Riggs Gallery, Baltimore, MD ∙ “Artist-Teacher”, Center For Art Education, Baltimore, MD 2016 ∙ Summer First Year Residency at MICA ∙ “First Year Exhibit”, Center for Art Education, Baltimore, MD 2013 ∙ “Beyond the boxxx” , Invitational, Mushboom Gallery, Rochester, NY 2009 ∙ “Art Education Show”, Czurles-Nelson Gallery, Buffalo, NY ∙ “Drawing and Painting Undergraduate Exhibition” Czurles-Nelson Gallery, Buffalo, NY
Visiting Artist/Artist Talk/Presenter ∙ Shaping Your Pottery Podcast Episode #218, Virtual ∙ WAER 88.3 highlight/Interview “Syracuse Ceramic Artist Explores Identity Through Clay” Syracuse University Visual Arts Department ∙ Visiting artist talk WETM Channel News, Elmira, NY ∙ Mornings in Corning local artist spotlight NYSATA 71st Annual Conference, Mind Media Method, November, 2019 ∙ Workshop presenter “Solving Student Behavior and Teacher Burnout” Officina Laboratorio Ceramica, Firenze, Italy November 2018- March 2019 ∙ Visiting artist and teacher Notre Dame High School, Elmira, NY June 2018 ∙ Artist and career guest lecturer Teaching Experience Altmar Parish Williamstown Jr./ Sr. High School, Parish, NY 2022-present ∙ Teach ceramics I, II, and 8th grade art ∙ Feets of Clay club advisor Thomas A. Edison High School, Elmira Heights, NY April 2019-2022 ∙ Oversee the Arts program for the school ∙ Yearbook Editor, and Art Club Advisor ∙ Diversity Equity and Inclusion founding committee member Topeka High School, Topeka, KS July 2017-June 2018 ∙ Oversee the Design curriculum utilizing technology for 9-12th grade ∙ Hosted two student teachers from Washburn University (fall and spring) ∙ Curate student work for monthly First Friday art shows in student gallery ∙ Restorative Practice Tier I, II, and III circles for various at-risk students ∙ Leading teacher in Inclusion art classes- Manage multiple para-professionals Nathan T. Hall Elementary, Newark Valley, NY Sept 2016-June 2017 ∙ Responsible for over 400 K-3rd grade students ∙ Coordinate the school-wide art show Batavia Middle School, Batavia, NY August 2015-July 2016 ∙ Educate 5th grade students in the elements and principles of art utilizing technique, art history, cross-curriculum studies, and personal connection in lesson plan format ∙ Initiate first art club at the middle school with over 3o students in weekly attendance PUC Achieve Charter School, Rochester, NY October 2014-July 2015 ∙ Build art curriculum for brand new charter school in first year ∙ Teach inner-city students ages 10-12 elements and principles in art ∙ Collaborate with other content areas, Strengthen Community, Enhance Parent Involvement, Lead in Professional Development training, Painting With a Twist, Fairport, NY November 2012-December 2014 ∙ Walk classes of adults and children through a 2 hour, step-by-step painting class. Effectively combine simple technique instructions with entertainment. ∙ Provide office assistance; Sign guests in, Book private events 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning, NY, January 2012 to October 2012 ∙ Motivate and encourage children through adults in the art of pottery wheel throwing. Utilize communication skills to identify and address individual strengths and weaknesses. Provide demonstrations and hands-on assistance. ∙ Manage inventory and activate requests for supplies. Elmira City School Districts, Elmira, NY, January 2011-October 2012 ∙ Instruct secondary-level students on a per diem basis. Present lessons plans and instituted effective classroom management strategies. ∙ Completed long term position at Thomas Edison High School in Elmira Heights, NY, Planned and executed lesson plans in accordance with NYS standards. Maintained detailed grade log. Amherst Central High School, Amherst, NY, (student teacher), 2010 ∙ Mentored students and created/taught ceramics to Grades 9-12. Bennett Park Montessori, Buffalo, NY, (student teacher), 2010 ∙ Created and executed art-related lessons within an inner-city school while providing direction/role-modeling to encourage proper conduct.
Professional Affiliations ∙ National Art Educators Association ∙ National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts |
