Stephen Jepson

Stephen Michael Jepson was born May 31, 1941 in Sioux City, Iowa. After receiving his MFA from Alfred University in 1971, he went on to open his studio in Geneva, Florida, and began the ceramics department at the University of Central Florida, where he taught for eight years. In 1976, Jepson was selected to be included in the Smithsonian Museum Collection of American Crafts. In 1978, Jepson was one of six potters from around the world profiled in The Professional Potter by Thomas Shafer. In 1993, the master potter founded and works as lead artist on the video production company, Thoughtful Productions. His highly rated instructional videos have been used to teach intermediate and beginner potters how to improve their technique. In 1997, Jepson founded The World Pottery Institute in Geneva, Florida, a school for potters ranging from beginners to professionals.

Training

 * Bachelor of Science Degree at Truman University 1969
 * Master of Fine Arts Degree from Alfred University 1971

Teaching Experience

 * Valencia Community College, Orlando, Florida
 * University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida - Started the ceramics department in 1972 and taught until 1979.

Workshops and Seminars

 * Wooster College, Wooster, Ohio
 * Miami Ceramic League – Workshop, one man exhibit, judged the members show, Arrowmount School of Crafts
 * Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida
 * National Council for Education in Ceramic Art (panel chair)
 * World Pottery Institute founded in 1997 (owner and instructor 1997 to present)

One-Man, Group and Competitive Shows

 * The American Hand, Washington, D.C.
 * Functional Ceramics, Wooster, Ohio
 * Indianapolis Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana
 * Wichita National
 * Crafts National
 * National Teapot Invitational
 * Cedar Creek Gallery Invitational
 * National Pitcher Invitational, West Virginia University
 * University of Central Florida Invitational
 * Complex Gallery, Knoxville, Tennessee

Awards at Art Festivals

 * Winter Park Art Festival, Winter Park, Florida
 * Las Olas Boulevard Art Festival, For Lauderdale, Florida
 * Coconut Grove Art Festival, Coconut Grove, Florida
 * Ringling Museum Art Festival, Sarasota, Florida
 * Ormond Beach Art Festival, Ormond Beach, Florida
 * Gasparilla Art Festival, Tampa, Florida
 * Deland Art Festival, Deland, Florida
 * Virginia Beach Art Festival, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Thoughtful Productions
In 1993, Stephen Jepson founded, wrote, produced, and acts as lead artist of the video production company, Thoughtful Productions, a nine video suite on pottery making includes: Introduction to Throwing, Advanced Throwing, How to Throw Large Pots, Pottery Decoration (w/ Tom Shafer), Introduction to Hand Building, Glazing and Firing, Kiln Building, and Clay Collection. These videos are used by junior colleges, universities, art centers, and many individuals throughout the United States and the world.

World Pottery Institute
Founded, owned and acting as head instructor, Stephen Jepson created the World Pottery Institute in 1997. Located in Geneva, Florida, The World Pottery Institute was designed and built by Stephen Jepson and is a school for potters ranging from beginners to professionals. Internationally recognized, students have come from New Zealand, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Mexico, Denmark, Holland, England, The British Virgin Islands, Canada, and the Bahamas, with the vast majority of students coming from the United States.

Jepson Pottery Tools
A line of tools for potters designed by Stephen Jepson (started in 1998)

Jepson Pro Station
A revolutionary new potter’s wheel designed by Stephen Jepson and produced in 1999

Dreamboat
A kayak manufacturing company, Stephen Jepson designed a new line of kayaks in 2001 and began manufacturing in 2002.