We have a lot of faculty members here at St Petersburg College, some of which who are new and others who have stuck around longer. A perfect example of the latter is one of our professors Mckenzie Smith. Professor Smith is well known for his renowned ceramic skills. Despite that, we decided that he deserves a chance in the spotlight!
What made you choose ceramics as a career?
I started with music, but i grew to really admire the magic of ceramics. I really like working with the elements. I started out ceramics as a hobby and wanted to make these horns out of clay for my music classes. Eventually, my love for clay grew from there.
How did you start teaching at SPC?
I started as a tech here, then they eventually wanted me to teach because Kim Kirchman didn’t want to teach in one summer semester. So I ended up taking over for her.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
I like to sail, I grew up on the water as a kid. I feel quite comfortable on the ocean
What is a lesson or a memory that has stuck with you throughout all of your years of teaching?
In North Carolina I had classes from a guy. I came in as a work study student. They expected us to take care of the studio. It was quite laborious work! If they wanted me to drive to the airport to pick up clay I would do that. I was studying at the Penland school of crafts.
Can you show us what was your most favorite ceramic creation that you have made?
I’ve made many pieces, however each piece I’ve made each had very subtle differences.
What makes teaching satisfying to you?
When students feed you with their want and passion to learn. It’s the little moments when they finally catch on to a concept, like their own lightbulb moment in a way.
If there was a movie or a tv show that you would like to forget and watch again like it was the first time, what would it be?
The movie I’d see again is an Indian (India) movie called the Lunchbox. It’s a wonderful story about two people connected through the Walla’s who deliver lunches to workers in India.
What was the most difficult experience you’ve had in your teaching career?
I had an experience in graduate school where I got a summer job at an art camp for high school students and it went sour. The director and I did not see eye to eye and were supposed to teach for 2 summers. The director called me when I got back to UF and said not to come back the next summer.
Where would you like to travel too one day?
I would like to travel back to Japan. Japan is known for the ceramics made there. I would like to travel there visiting potteries throughout the country.
