Meet John Campbell | Functional potter and teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what are you inspired by?
Seeing my work actively used in people’s lives and homes, the fulfillment that I feel knowing that pieces that I create not only have a visual appeal and place in your home but more importantly that function and serve a purpose while taking that space. Purpose driven and useful pieces have always made me tick. Stopping, looking and seeing all these pots that I made, functional pots, spreading all over the country and people are getting use and pleasure out of them. Inspiration comes naturally if you’re feeling good about what you’re achieving. People’s positive response and support has driven me most. The words of encouragement and the obvious support from all over the place. I have a friend in Turkey routing me on, a friend in Taiwan pushing me to go harder on my website. Encouraging friends everywhere! I am inspired most by the folks that return visit and use the wares they buy from me and being that they like them they come back for more. Numbers of folks turning to me to supply their homes with useful and functional pottery and now that just simply feels good, that is what makes me keep going.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
First Off, there were to many hard times and challenges to focus on those. If you cant say something similar, they are coming and i wish you the best. It’s not the issue that arises its how you respond to it that will make you successful. When it comes to what I’m most excited about with my path and what separates my business from others… its the personal touch and extra mile taken. The raw opportunity that is held within my walls is pretty overwhelming to say the least. I absolutely consider my little shop to be one of the most versatile ceramic experiences in DFW. I can help you achieve your ceramic goals on so many levels that i would take to much time here to describe them all. Private instruction, Group classes, Firing service, Build(design) your own dinner set that i create or you create, market pops, custom orders, constant stock of wares to shop in house, open studio hours, apprenticeship opportunities(trade schooling), consulting on studio operations and build to kiln repair and maintenance. How Can I Help You Meet Your Pottery Goals??? The options are there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would probably hit the road and work in, nothing to far just a short road trip. Probably take them to hill country for a quick camp/fishing trip. I would try and show them those hills at dusk and hunt for some good Texas country. Arboretum/White Rock Lake exploration is in the cards I would think. We will then do a little tour of my favorite statues, 3D art and architecture here in Dallas/surrounding area. Maybe a little inspired and charged we then will go visit a few of the other hooligans I like to kick it with and toss around a few stories.

I switched to vegan/vegetarian couple years ago, things have been kinda shifting away from being so strict recently and a little fish or shrimp have been found on my plate. I do love to eat and I will go wherever to make the experience happen. Plenty of good restaurants to mention, almost to many but options are good. So, I like to show people new restaurants here in Dallas because we always have new great ones opening all the time, I try not stick to the old faithfuls with company in town but I’m sure they will happen also. To be real, I spent 17 years in restaurants and bars so I try to cook and entertain at home as much as possible, on special occasions I have been known to throw on some nice clothes and see the town. Most of my time is spent working and living so not as many sit-down meals these days. When it does happen, it usually happens big especially if I am entertaining a good friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t have gotten to this interview or to any of my goals in the last two years without some assists along the way and those people know who they are and who they are not. Much Love to all those who have taken part in this journey in a positive way, Thank you!

ShoutOut goes to those who dug in this past year. Anyone and Everyone that has had the drive to build something for themselves. Especially if done so in the past year, RESPECT. You have something inside of you now that no one can take from you. Self Accomplishment both with your business and within yourself. Most importantly what grew within you is what I’m talking about in this message. You have GRIT and you are a GRINDER and your going to Make It !!! Much Love and Respect to all those getting it for themselves and not waiting. It’s your time.

Website: JohnCPottery.com

Instagram: @johncpottery

Facebook: Full Circle Studios

Image Credits
Nikki Doty Lola D Photography @loladphotos