Bryan
Hopkins
- Area of Study: Liberal Studies, Art Minor
- Current City: Buffalo
- Graduation Date: 1990
- Current Occupation: Part-time Professor, Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, NY; Self-Employed, Hopkins Pottery
Why did you choose WCU and/or the Department of Art + Design?
I went to WCU for mathematics- it had a good reputation and was far enough from where
I grew up to keep my parents from just stopping by. I had to take an art course to
graduate so I registered for a Ceramics class with John Baker, and it changed my life.
What training or education did the Department of Art + Design provide for you that
relates to your current occupation?
The art faculty helped me to become a creative problem solver through some thoughtful
projects. The faculty also served as role-models, being artists active in their fields.
In my teaching life I find myself thinking back to how I was taught, and trying to
emulate some of those practices. Each professor I had at WCU had a good work ethic,
and that really helps all aspects of my life as an artist.
What is a typical day like for you?
Up at 6:30am, pack my and my 11 year olds' lunch and get him on the bus. To the studio
by 7:45am. On teaching days I leave the studio by 1pm to teach 2-5pm, and 6-9pm. On
non-teaching days I am in the studio until 3 or 4pm, then out on my bike for 2-3 hours.
In bed by 10:30pm. I do not go to the studio on weekends.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter your field?
Develop a good work ethic for your studio practice. Find a good place to live and
surround yourself with a variety of interesting people. Take care of yourself physically
(exercise) and be a whole person.
What is your favorite memory of being a student at WCU and/or in the Department of
Art + Design?
Art openings were my favorite times in the art dept. Having access to a visiting artist,
and being able to ask questions of that person while in the presence of their art
work, was both educational, fun, and humbling.