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Winston is an Arkansas native, born in Little
Rock in 1948, living there until 1990 when he and his family
moved to Russellville, Arkansas. He attended public schools
in Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little
Rock where he received his bachelor degree in art. After
serving as a studio assistant to the late Rosemary Fisher,
he taught pottery at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little
Rock and has been teaching pottery at the Arkansas River
Valley Arts Center in Russellville from 1990 to present.
He is married to Kristen Taylor, who teaches at Sequoyah
Elementary in Russellville. Their daughter Megan, upon graduation
from University of Central Arkansas, will pursue a career
in interior design.
The
love for working in clay was immediate when he touched it
for the first time in the early 70s at U.A.L.R. as a student.
“Actually it touched me and the potential for expression
has kept me entranced since”. He has taken workshops from
Paul Soldner, Don Reitz, Harvey Sadow, Adelphia Martinez
and Peter King. “Paul Soldner and Don Reitz taught me to
do what clay wants to do naturally; Harvey Sadow showed
me the enchantment of raku, and Adelphia Martinez taught
me the importance of dedication and patience and that art
is a catalyst between all cultures. Inspired by an intensive
workshop with Peter King, I have also created large scale
architectural works such as sinks, tile, columns and relief
sculptures”.
Winston’s
work is most often raku fired and intended as objects of
art. One series reflects the influence of the art of dance,
another of southwest Native American culture, and one series
is simply a response to the beauty of nature by incorporating
found natural objects with vessels.
“The
inherent risky nature of raku firing is a teacher of acceptance
in triumph and defeat. One has to have only limited expectations
because most often results are not quite the same. The rewards
are often enough that I stay motivated to produce. Raku
has historical ties with a Japanese tea ceremony that hold
a high regard for harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
The things I know about pottery making and learn about the
history of raku and other cultures is woven into a special
significance to me, and this is what I strive to express
in my work.”
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