Biography

Jeff Yoachim was born in Hastings, Nebraska. As a youngster, the family moved several times. Settling in the middle of Nebraska Jeff graduated from high school, and not having any career plan went to work. After working several years, Jeff enrolled at the University of Nebraska in Kearney. He received three degrees and three endorsements, graduating in 1995. He was a teacher and coach in the western part of the state for three years. In 1998, he attended graduate school, and moved to Hays, Kansas to begin his Masters of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics. In August of 1999 he was married to his best friend Paul& In 2000 he graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts degree with a minor in sculpture. A few years later with his wife Paula they moved to the Omaha area where they are art educators.

Artist Statement

The purpose of my studies in clay is to explore three-dimensional space through free forming pieces and the platter form. The forms I create represent an intuitive search for self-expression based upon my own life experiences. My intent is to test the traditional boundaries of ceramics as a sculptural media via the free forming pieces and the functional platter form. The natural qualities of the clay allow me to explore and manipulate surface qualities. I employ the use of molds, metal and extruded pieces to obtain a variety of textures and desired effects. My creative process involves using a combination of wheel thrown and hand-built forms. I then use additive and subtractive methods to alter the form to achieve the desired effects. Often these methods provide a sense of tension and extreme contrast within the piece. In the glazing process I am experimenting with different matte, glazes and stains. Through working with these glaze calculations, I have formulated a number of glazes. The glaze qualities I desire are slightly textural and flat in nature. To achieve these qualities, I have found application thickness is crucial as is firing temperature and multiple firings of the piece. With the unique intense qualities of surface, color and texture, combined with the juxtaposing of surface and edge qualities, the work becomes a cohesive form that plays with the dichotomy of contrasts.