John Tobin

Websites:

Biography and Statement: 

My first recollection of my clay experience was in the third grade with plasticine or oil-based sculpting clay that we used for making dinosaurs for a diorama.  It was a life changing experience; from then on I would have a little amount around the house to create temporary sculptures.  From our set of encyclopedias, I discovered ancient Greek and Egyptian articulated dolls that I copied.  About this time, I also was making 3-d paper lunchboxes and because of a Cub Scout requirement that I be able to identify car brands, paper cars as well complete with scotch tape windshields.  These were safely kept under my bed, sadly no documentation exists. Even while in High School I would occasionally create something but thought it was childish and didn’t dare share with anyone.  With no art or music in my Catholic High School, French was the class I looked forward to the most.

After the Air Force and on to college thanks to the GI Bill, I took my first art class; sculpture and then I knew this is where I belonged.  The next year they had a ceramics class and I became the lab assistant.  I learned how to load, and fire the kiln as well as mixing and pugging clay, slab rollers and glazing.  While not at home or working my Ad Agency Job, I could be found in the ceramic’s lab, under the stadium living my dream.  With a BFA and artwork children could relate to, I became the artist in residence for Norfolk City Public Schools, this fantastic experience led me to becoming an art teacher and my lifelong career.  In 1984 I joined Dodds (Department of Defense Dependents Schools) system lived and taught in both Germany and Japan, along with my teacher/artist/mentor wife Carolyn flowers.  We were able to see and experience the world on teacher’s salaries!  We finally came home to Virginia in 2006.  Life is Good!  Thank you, little dinosaurs!