Meet the Maker - Robin Dupont

Robin Dupont’s experience in the field of ceramics has been wide-ranging and includes educational training from four institutions, in three different countries and takes great pride in passing all his knowledge on to his students.

For the summer issue of Alberta Craft Magazine we had a chat with ceramic artist Robin DuPont about his experience as an educator...after all, it was an issue on education! Read on to know more about Robin DuPont and Meet the Maker. When you are done you can watch this video interview for the 2013 RBC Emerging Artist Award

Alberta Craft Council: Is teaching a major part of your creative practice or something you do occasionally?

Robin DuPont: Teaching has been a significant part of my life since completing my master’s degree in 2011. I teach a full semester at Kootenay Studio Arts (KSA) in the fall and often more, teaching workshops abroad and here on my property. I also have an assistant in my studio that is working beside me learning. By articulating ideas out loud to others it forces you to solidify them in some way in your head. I read that Einstein said, “you don’t truly know something until you can teach it”.

ACC: How do you balance your creative practice with teaching?
 

RD: My creative practice is all about learning. Teaching is all about passing that information on. I have been fortunate to have learned from some amazing teachers and, in turn, that makes me passionate about giving back.

I am currently teaching at KSA at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC. Three faculty split the course load. Job sharing allows for time in the studio to continue my own creative practice. This is win-win for both students and faculty as it gives me time to push my own work further.

ACC: In what ways do you advise students just starting out, to work smarter?

RD: When you are young it is easy to push yourself, sometimes beyond your limits both physically and mentally. I think it is important to work hard but figure out your limitations and set boundaries. In saying that, it is important to do this in a sustainable way, learning how to care for your body right off the bat is imperative and will pay dividends later in your career.

ACC: Looking back, do you have a teacher who was especially inspiring?

RD: I’ve had many teachers who I think of regularly in the studio and when I am teaching. To name a few: Bob Reimer, John Chalke, Jim Etzkorn, Tom Rohr, Katrina Chaytor, Greg Payce - they
were all generous and inspiring in different ways.

ACC: What is an important event that helped shape your career?

RD: During my first year at ACAD (before I decided to major in ceramics) the visiting artist was Tom Rohr. Tom communicated so many things about clay and ceramics that have ever since been at the core of why I work in clay and make the objects I do.

ACC: What is your favourite handcrafted piece in your home by another artist?

RD: I have many favourite pieces, not really one at all. It’s a little like asking which of my children is my favourite! I’ve been collecting pots for a long time and I have an extensive collection. I love how pots carry so much information and are complex little objects - some are my favourites because of how they function, others remind me of people and places.

Robin obtained his BFA from Alberta University of the Arts, Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC, the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia, and completed his MFA graduate degree at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Follow his atmospheric kiln adventure's on instagram @robindupontceramics