Gary Jackson:  Fire When Ready Pottery
4401 North Ravenswood, Studio 205 West
Chicago, Illinois 60640
(773) 307-8664

gary@firewhenreadypottery.com

www.firewhenreadypottery.com

www.facebook.com/firewhenreadypottery

www.instagram.com/firewhenreadypottery

Education
Bachelor of Science in Art, concentration in Visual Communications
Illinois State University, Normal, IL : May 1985
Internship in Design: The University Museums, Illinois State University

Ceramic Work Experience
Ceramic Artist – Fire When Ready Pottery, Chicago, IL : 2001-present
Established personal pottery business of functional stoneware ceramics.
Features soda fired pottery, as well as traditional glazed stoneware.
Display work at art fairs, retail stores and studio for public sales.

Ceramics Instructor – Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL
Instructor – Adult Beginning/Advanced Beginning Wheelthrowing : 2004-present
Instructor – Adult Intermediate Wheelthrowing : 2020-present
Instructor – Adult Advanced Wheelthrowing : 2020-present
Instructor – The Great Lillstreet Throwdown : 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Instructor – Soda-Firing 3-Night Workshop : 2017, 2020, 2021
Instructor – Adult Beginning Soda Firing : 2008
Instructor – Kidstreet Children’s Classes & Summer Camps : 2005-present
Instructor – Adult Casual Fridays – Introduction to Handbuilding : Spring & Summer 2004
Teacher’s Assistant – Adult Beginning Wheelthrowing : 2001-2004

Ceramics Instructor – Terra Incognito, Oak Park, IL : Summer 2005 & 2006
Ceramic classes for teens  in wheelthrowing & handbuilding.

Ceramics Instructor – Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL : Spring 2005
Ceramic workshops for teachers, parents & students in wheelthrowing & handbuilding.

Ceramics Instructor – Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center, Chicago, IL : Spring 2005
Ceramic programs for kids and adults in wheelthrowing & handbuilding.

Ceramics Instructor – Academy of Communication & Technology
Charter School, Chicago, IL : 2005
Afterschool program for wheelthrowing & handbuilding ceramic projects.

Studio Technician – Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : 1999-2005
Responsible for general studio projects, basic maintenance and kiln loadings.
Built new soda kiln at new art center location : September 2003
Created a comprehensive glaze wall chart for classrooms : Fall 2003
Workshop assistant for ceramic artist Julia Galloway : February 2004

Corporate Work Experience
National Advertising Manager – xpedx Stores Division, Chicago, IL : 1996-2002
Advertising & Marketing Manager – ResourceNet International, Chicago, IL : 1991-1996
Advertising Supervisor – Arvey Paper & Office Products, Chicago, IL : 1990-1991
Senior Graphic Designer – Arvey Paper & Office Products, Chicago, IL : 1988-1990
Graphic Artist – Arvey Paper & Office Products, Chicago, IL : 1985-1988

Ceramic Publications
“The Encyclopedia of Pottery Techniques” – published by Search Press
page 61

“100 Tips, Tricks & Techniques” – published by The American Ceramic Society 2017
“Drilled For Drainage” – pages 101-102

Ceramics Monthly – October 2016
“Drilled For Drainage” – page 100

Pottery Making Illustrated – March/April 2016
“Throw Some Clay On The Walls” – pages 22-26

“500 Tiles” – published by Lark Books: Spring 2008, pages 219 & 240
“500 Pitchers” – published by Lark Books : Spring 2006, page 357
“500 Cups” – published by Lark Books : Spring 2005, page 265

Photography Publications
“Capture My Chicago” – published by Pediment Publishing, in conjunction with CBS2
Winter 2009, pages 68 & 24

Ceramic Workshops & Seminars
Julia Galloway Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : February 2012
Cory McCrory Workshop, Terra Incognito, LaGrange, IL : January 2009
Michael Wisner Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : November 2004
Michael Corney Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : November 2004
NCECA, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, Indianapolis, IN : March 2004
Julia Galloway Workshop, artist’s assistant, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : February 2004
Brush Making Workshop with Dolores Fortuna, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : April 2003
Allegheny Meadows Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : March 2003
Sam Clarkson Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : March 2003
Josh DeWeese Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : October 2002
Soda Glazing with Gail Nichols, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN : March 2002
Eric Jensen Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : November 2000
Julia Galloway Workshop, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL : March 1999

Shows, Art Fairs & Events
I’ve been participating & showing at major art fairs in the Chicagoland area since 2001. Locations include the Schaumburg Prairie Fine Arts Festival,  Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival, Glenview Summer Art Fair, Evanston Lakeshore Fine Arts Festival, Art In The Barn in Barrington, and more. I also enjoy hosting studio sales & Holiday Home Shows.

Professional Associations
Lillstreet Studios
Potters Council

Volunteer Work
John B. Murphy School Tutor Program : 1992-2002
Sponsored by xpedx Stores Division in conjunction with Chicago Public Schools.
First & second grade reading & writing tutor.

Pedal For Power Across America : Spring 1992
Pedaled bicycle from Los Angeles to Boston; biking across 13 states in 47 days.
Raised over $7,500 for the Chicago Lung Association & League of American Wheelmen.