Thank
you so much for the knowledge and fun in class last
week. I understand the throwing process much more
completely than ever before. You certainly have a way
of making everything seem easy, and with practice, I
feel that I can do anything!Your studio has an
exciting yet relaxing atmosphere, which I hope to
achieve with my new studio. Your personality shines
through in all you do and that really is, and will
remain, my inspiration. "I love making
pottery" and my new wheel, and will do all I can
to live up to its reputation. Everyone was wonderful,
I definitely came home with a part of you. Lisa Mahl
Attending
this class was a highlight of my life. To sit down
and work five (5) straight days, and to meet people
with similar interests was great. I would not trade
the experience for anything. I left KNOWING that I
could accomplish what was in my mind's eye - and
that's what I'm doing now. Thanks!
Thanks
for a wonderful experience at the World Pottery
Institute. Because I had watched your beginning and
advanced throwing videos, I feel confident you were
the sort of instructor I would be able to learn from.
I expected to learn, to advance my throwing skills a
little, to have a good time. I did not, however,
expect to leave with the ability to make attractive
pottery large enough for my five-year-old to hide in.
I now have the confidence and skills to tackle just
about any throwing project I can think of. You've
taken away my limits. Thanks, Stephen!
Your
teaching is superb. The technical knowledge given
during the many demonstrations was presented with
great ease. Your enthusiasm is boundless and watching
a master clay artist at work is a pleasure. I loved
the peaceful surroundings, listening to all the
beautiful nature sounds while working, having great
conversations with new friends, and being completely
immersed in a wonderful clay experience. Patricia
Baker, orlando, Fl.
The
instruction was excellent. It felt as if the
instructor was actually a part of the class.
Directions were given in a language that was easily
understood, along with enough visual repetition so
that all students could clearly see the process.
Questions were welcomed and always graciously
answered, either verbally or by repeated
demonstrations. I learned to be more relaxed in my
throwing, and that, along with the numerous new
techniques has made a great difference in my results.
This was, by far, the best pottery school I have
attended. I would encourage beginners, as well as
experienced potters to attend.
Jerry Helfrey
North Carolina
Jepson
has built a beautiful building behind his main
pottery operation right out in the jungle, with
screened-in windows all the way around.
Whew!!!
What a week.
The
first day of the class was very basic. He had us
doing simple throwing techniques, primarily giving
him the opportunity to gauge the experience level of
each individual. Tuesday was much more advanced for a
number of us who had throwing experience. We moved on
to mugs, picthers and pulling handles. Wednesday was
a much needed slow day. We went to Axner and saw
their operation and came back to more throwing
techniques. Thursday was additional advanced throwing
techniques, including lidded jars, lids, faceting and
goblet cups, Friday we fit in everything that we
didn't cover, including wine goblets, plates,
platters and large pots. Overall, the class was
excellent. By Friday evening I realized that I had
taken over 25 pages of notes, lots of other stuff,
and he is definitely a teacher. He keeps everyone
throwing and focusing on specific projects. His focus
was getting you to throw lighter, while thinking
about good form. He has a great setup for production
pottery and makes everything look easy. It definitely
built up my confidence and yesterday I compared a
number of pots before and after class, and overall, I
would say that I'm throwing at least 100% lighter
