"I can't imagine teaching in any other context than Southwestern's liberal arts setting," says Patrick Veerkamp. "I tell my students that if what they are making isn't meaningful, then it can't be described as art.

The liberal arts environment, he says, encourages students to question and explore personal and cultural factors as they develop their own complex identities. This, then, informs the art they create.

With a diverse background in studio art and art history, Veerkamp specializes in ceramics and, more specifically, pottery. In ceramics, he teaches hand forming, wheel forming, Raku and a seminar course. He also teaches design and drawing courses.

He also has taught a range of studio art and art history courses, plus several special topics courses during Southwestern's London Fall Semester program.

"In recent years, I've been working on a full range of functional ware utilizing vapor glazing (soda) and wood-fired stoneware and porcelain. As a maker of utilitarian tableware, I like the idea of making pots that will blend into the day-to-day lives of the user’ and become part of the many rituals of daily life, especially those that involve eating and drinking.

"This kind of relationship is unique in the world of art and appeals to me as an artist, teacher and person."

Veerkamp admits that balancing full-time teaching and the life of a productive artist can be challenging. However, he says, "It has been mutually beneficial to my students and me. They push me to learn more, and I, in turn, bring this newly acquired knowledge to the classroom.

"I expect my students to learn as much as they can in the short time they are at Southwestern. The process of becoming a well-educated person is the best training for an artist."

Veerkamp holds a B.A. from Adams State College, an M.A. from the Univ. of Denver and an M.F.A. from Colorado State Univ. Although "not blessed with a 'green thumb'" Veerkamp is interested in gardening, garden design and the history of gardening. "From Versailles to the large landscape gardens, small urban parks and cottage gardens of England to Bayou Bend in Houston, I have been able to experience the harmonious interaction between human beings and nature as expressed in gardens." He's also traveled to 44 of the 64 cathedrals in England.

-Carrie Johnson '93