Ceramics professor gains national recognition

By Jessica Pickens

pickensj@thejohnsonian.com

Ceramics professor Jim Connell has an impressive resume.

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it,” Connell said in his office surrounded by dozens of ceramics. “It’s easy if you love something.”

Recently, he was recognized as one of the top six ceramic artists in South Carolina in the “SC6: Six South Carolina Innovators in Clay” exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art.

Record breaker

But Connell isn’t only just a regional celebrity, he’s also been recognized nationally and internationally.

His work has juried six times out of the last eight years at the NCECA Clay National Exhibition.

“A Canadian and I have a friendly rivalry because we are both tied at being in the exhibition six times,” Connell said.

Connell has also had his work juried into the Strictly Functional Pottery Nationals 16 out of 17 years, which is more than any other artist who has been shown in the exhibit.

“I didn’t know who else was in the running,” he said. “The next person who has been in the second most has been juried four times. It helps show me my pieces are innovative, but consistent.”

Constantly working

Though Connell has received national recognition, he enjoys his time as a professor at Winthrop, where he has been since 1987.

“I’ve never looked to move on or go to bigger, more prestigious schools,” He said. “It’s my baby here.”

He can be found working seven days a week in his studio in McLaurin.

“It gives me a chance to play,” Connell said. “I’m constantly working and looking for those little grains to make it better. You have to constantly be digging your well deep so you can always go back for an idea.”

Connell’s work will be displayed at the Columbia Museum of Art until October.