Jan McKeachie Johnston

1953 Born Duluth, Minnesota

EDUCATION

1989-1990 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois

2004 BFA University of Wisconsin, River Falls, Wisconsin

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1972Studio Potter

 BIOGRAPHY

Jan McKeachie Johnston’s early work included majolica surface decoration that she used as a way to add color to her pieces. Her later work grows from the functional ceramics of England, Bernard Leach, and Shoji Hamada. This body of work is typically glazed with one color. She fires most of her work in a wood kiln that fires for 60 hours.

McKeachie-Johnston's work references pottery forms from around the globe, particularly the fiber basket forms of Native American and Japanese makers. In addition, MacKeachie Johnston’s work is influenced by Japanese Mingei pieces and she is a part of a group of Minnesota potters whose work is called Mingeisota, referencing Japanese influences and those of Warren MacKenzie, no doubt the most famous maker and teacher in Minnesota. Although her pieces are functional she is also interested in them standing alone as a well-conceived object.

She teaches workshops around the country alone and with her husband, potter, Randy Johnston.