Jeffrey came to Sedona, AZ, in 1955 when he was just a year old. His parents taught at Verde Valley School where he grew up. He went on to earn a BFA from ASU in Ceramics and Photography and a Master's in Ceramics from Northern Arizona University. He has taught Ceramics, Photography and directed the Field Trip program at Verde Valley School for the past thirty-two years. Currently, his work is shown in Taos, NM, Scottsdale, AZ, and the Sedona Arts Center. A founding member of the Sedona Arts Center, Nassan Gobran, was Jeff's inspiration and led him to his lifelong passion.
Jeff's work is both thrown and hand built. Most recently, his thrown work has been large round forms which are made by stretching a large thrown cylinder over several hours, resulting in a fine thin form. Lately, he has been adding lids with rough textured handles, giving a nice contrast to the smooth round surface of the pot. The pieces are raku fired which is unpredictable and full of surprises.
Jeff's sculpture is slab constructed and he creates texture with imprints on the clay. He is influenced by ancient and primitive art and his imagination. Animals and birds often find their way onto the torn clay and textured slabs. These pieces are low fired in an electric kiln.
JEFFERY C. PERKINS
