JOHN SHEDD DESIGNS
ABOUT JOHN SHEDD
John Shedd is a ceramic artist whose lifelong exploration of glaze, color, and surface has defined a distinctive body of work rooted in craftsmanship, experimentation, and natural beauty.
John received his BFA in Ceramics from Rockford College in Illinois and went on to earn his MFA in Ceramics from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he established his own studio and gallery in central New Jersey—where he has continued to create, exhibit, and share his passion for ceramics for more than four decades.
From a Historic Mill to Hopewell’s Art Community
Founded in 1979 as Clayphernlia Gallery and later renamed John Shedd Designs, John’s original studio was located in a 200-year-old converted mill in Rocky Hill, New Jersey.
In recent years, John relocated his working studio and gallery to the Tomato Factory Antiques & Design Center in Hopewell, NJ, a vibrant hub for local artists, collectors, and designers. Visitors can now experience his handmade ceramics up close, alongside a curated selection of fine art and design pieces from other artisans.
Philosophy
For more than thirty years, John has been deeply immersed in the study of ceramic glazes and surface decoration—a process that merges chemistry, patience, and the unpredictable beauty of fire. Each piece is the result of a dialogue between material, heat, and atmosphere.
“I have been drawn to the exploration of glazes and ceramic surface decoration for more than thirty years. Within the demanding limitations of that study, I have found a reserve of directions abundant enough to last for a lifetime.
Progress in this work is measured in the opulent bounty of that rare piece that withstands the challenge of fire and atmosphere, to become a surface rich in color, intensity, and texture. The truly successful attempt avoids the temptation of artifice or illustration—it must be the honest embodiment of the beauty inherent in a natural material.”
— John Shedd
Exhibitions and Recognition
John’s ceramics have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions and are represented in galleries and private collections across the United States. His work continues to attract those who value the authenticity, depth, and timeless appeal of handmade ceramic art.
Awards & Honors
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Niche Award for Craft Excellence — Niche Magazine
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Fellowship Recipient for Ceramics — New Jersey State Council on the Arts
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Mayor’s Selection — City of New Brunswick
Professional Organizations
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American Craft Council
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New Jersey Designer Craftsmen
