J. Eric Simmons

Artist Biography/Statement 

My name is J. Eric Simmons and I am a ceramic artist and teacher. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education, and again in 2018 with a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership. I am currently a three-dimensional design arts specialist within the art department where I teach. I teach all upper-level ceramics and sculpture classes as well as foundation introductory art classes.

I personally enjoy working with clay because it reminds me of the strong connection between us as human beings and nature. The clay comes from the earth, and then we as artists create something that transcends its original being. It is this process that captivates me and has aroused my curiosity since I was an adolescent. A lot of my work is functional in nature, or in some cases, inspired by functional objects. 

I have included on this site examples of my work from six different media. I believe that it is important as an arts educator to be well versed in many art forms and techniques. I have tried very hard to master them all, and I will continue to try for the rest of my life as art is ever changing and evolving. It is my goal as an artist and educator to create art that speaks to me and that is innovative for a moment in time. I have a long ways to go... but I have started the journey.

Please enjoy my work!

J. Eric Simmons

 J. Eric Simmons at his Senior Exhibition on the campus of 

Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri (2012)

J. Eric Simmons working on a ceramic vessel

(Photograph by Darren Whitley, NWMSU Relations)

J. Eric Simmons being interviewed by NWMSU media staff in front of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri where 11 of his ceramic vessels were on display for the museum's annual Party Arty event. 

-January 2013

Images copyrighted  by J. Eric Simmons 2012

Any use of imagery and content of this site is prohibitted without permission from J. Eric Simmons.