Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnne McMahan.
Hi Johnne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
NICE NICE Ceramics functions as a pottery studio, founded by myself and my wife, Molly. Within the past few years we have added kiln service and repair to our list of offerings; primarily consulting, diagnosing, installing, and repairing studio equipment.
Since 2016 I have been installing and maintaining clay arts equipment in Academic institutions and public studios.
In 2019 I began working with the Minneapolis Public Schools to support clay arts programming as a Kiln Service Technician.
Currently, Nice Nice Kiln Service works with individual Clay artists, private studios, and the Minneapolis public schools district.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I first started working on kilns out of curiosity and then out of necessity. I wanted to continue making pottery. The only way I could do that was by developing the skills to fix my kiln and keep my wheel spinning.
I’ve made pots for over 20 years. So I understand how frustrating it is to experience unreliable equipment. It’s taken me a long time to develop the skills and confidence to do this work. I try to learn something on every job and apply it to the next opportunity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a unique background, that makes me well suited for servicing clay arts equipment. I have a BFA in Ceramics and have maintained a clay practice since ‘04 so I know the ins and outs of the studio grind.
I also worked many years as a Service Technician in an industrial manufacturing facility. This demanding environment accelerated my technical perspective, skillset, and knowledge of diagnostic tools.
Nice Nice Kiln Service is always looking for new opportunities to support reliability in clay arts equipment.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and opportunities given to me by so many artists and friends.
Michael Hill, my first clay mentor and teacher at The University of South Dakota taught me to celebrate strangeness and seek the painful truth. He passed away in November of 2023. I am so grateful to have known him.
I owe so much to so many people. In my experience, the Minnesota clay community has a rich tradition of mentorship and generosity. I have learned so much from
JD Jorgenson and Zac Spates, Donovan Palmquist, Judah Birkland, Kerry Brooks, Ryan Ball, Chase Lilleholm, John Brooks and many others.
Pricing:
- Pricing for services varies. Reach out directly for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://niceniceceramics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niceniceceramics?igsh=ajU1NHdxYjhjdmk4
