John Watson
www.jwatson.org
Education
2001
1997
Master of Fine Arts, Sculpture, Honors
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture; Cum Laude, Department Honors
Webster University, St. Louis, MO
Areas of specialization: Sculpture, Installation, and Drawing
Teaching Experience
2012—present Assistant Professor, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Sculpture, 3-Dimensional Design, Senior Exhibition and Portfolio, The Art
Experience
2010—2012
Associate Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
Head of Sculpture. Associate Professor; Introduction to Sculpture,
Advanced Sculpture, Metal Casting, 3-Dimensional Design, Topics in
Studio Art: Art in the Public Realm, Professional Practice, Visual Arts
Seminar, Topics in Studio Art: Wood Sculpture, Creative Strategies,
Installation Art, Principles of Drawing, Freshman Seminar
2010
Visiting Lecturer, Webster University, Vienna, Austria
2006-2009
Assistant Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
2004—2006
Visiting Assistant Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
2003—2004
Lecturer, University of Maryland, College Park
Instructor: Steel Sculpture, Intermediate Drawing, and Assembled
Form/Material
Lecturer, Maryland College of Art and Design
Instructor: 3-Dimemsional Design, Introduction to Drawing
2001—2002
Lecturer, UMUC (University of Maryland University College)
Instructor: Art Theory
Lecturer, University of Maryland, College Park
Instructor: Steel Sculpture, Casting, Wood Sculpture, Three Dimensional
Design and Intermediate Drawing
2001
Lecturer, University of Maryland
Instructor: Wood Sculpture, Advanced Wood Sculpture
Three-dimensional design and Introduction to Art Theory
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1999—2001
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Maryland
Instructor of Record: 3-D Design, Introduction to Drawing
TA: Steel Sculpture, Wood Sculpture, Art Theory, and Introduction to
Drawing
1998—1999
Instructor, Indianapolis Art Center
Steel Sculpture, "Art Reach" Instructor: Art for at risk youth
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Art, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Courses Developed and/or Taught at Belmont University and Webster University:
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Introduction to Sculpture Students in Introduction to Sculpture are exposed to a
variety of sculpture materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on using the
various processes to create conceptually valid, structurally sound, and formally
intriguing works of art.
Sculpture II: Intensive exploration of sculptural concepts through the use of
selected techniques and materials, with an emphasis on the development of
individual expression.
•
Advanced Sculpture: Advanced sculpture places emphasis on individual growth
within the cradle of a group environment. Students are challenged to push the
conceptual, material, formal, and technical aspects of their work. Emphasis is
placed on critical assessment of one’s work, development of writing and research
skills, and the development of a cohesive body of work.
•
3-Dimensional Design: An introduction to the basic principles of 3-dimensional
design, this course combines design theory with projects created by each student.
Students will explore the basic components of 3-dimensional art, which includes
subject, form, and content. A variety of materials and techniques will be
introduced. Projects and discussions centered around 3-dimensional design and
creative ideas help foster an understanding of basic 3-dimensional concepts and
serve as a foundation for sculpture, ceramics, and design.
•
The Art Experience: This course is designed to advance the student’s overall
understanding of art and imagery, to promote the student’s visual literacy and
ability to critically analyze works of art, and to increase the student’s appreciation
of humanity’s vast cultural heritage. Although ART 2000 is not explicitly an art
studio, art history, art criticism, or aesthetics course, elements of all four domains
will appear as part of the semester survey. The course emphasizes the analysis
and interpretation of images and objects drawn from various global and historical
contexts
•
Senior Exhibition and Portfolio: The objective of this course is to develop the
skills and impart the information necessary for being a working artist, culminating
in a gallery exhibition. We will explore exhibition design, preparation of artwork for
exhibition, documentation of works of art, writing and talking about your work,
preparing for graduate school, residencies, grants, internships, etc., and managing
the business side of your art career.
•
Topics in Studio Art: Metal Casting: Students in Metal Casting learn the
techniques and processes for the casting of hot aluminum, bronze, and iron. A
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variety of mold making, casting, chasing, and patination techniques are introduced
and explored. Students create cast sculptures in the various metals and learn how
to operate a metal casting foundry.
•
Topics in Studio Art: Art in the Public Realm: Designed to explore the function
of art in public places, this course looks at the history of public art and the process
one must undergo to execute projects in the public realm. The course culminates
in the execution of a work of art in a public space. Notable works have been
exhibited at Henry’s Plumbing on Kingshighway in Saint Louis City and in the City
of Webster Groves, MO.
•
Topics in Studio Art: Wood Sculpture: This course introduces students to the
various and specific process related to the creation of wood sculpture. Various
techniques are introduced including: carving, bending, lamination, and joinery.
Exploration of various species of wood and approaches to utilizing wood in its
natural and milled states are explored. Additionally, wood preservation and
finishing techniques are introduced.
•
Professional Practice: This course examines issues and practices that relate to
managing an art studio and a career as an artist. Content includes writing,
documenting work, publicity, self-promotion, and legal issues.
•
Creative Strategies: This required art course explores the creative strategies of
artists past and present through studio assignments in a variety of media and
approaches, selected readings, writing assignments, and seminar-style
discussions. An emphasis is placed on self-assessment by the incoming art
student at Webster, and the development of critical awareness of one's own
working methodology as it relates to the art program at Webster and the history of
art.
•
Visual Arts Seminar: This course covers contemporary art theories and
professional practices. The course aims to prepare graduating students for careers
as artists.
•
Installation Art: This studio course explores the creation and history of Installation
Art. Utilizing a variety of medium, students are challenged to develop ideas and
concepts emphasizing the design and implementation of individual installations.
The course provides students with an overview of the history of Installation Art and
of significant contemporary installations.
•
Freshman Seminar: The Power of Satire: From Mark Twain to The Onion, from
Jon Stewart to The Simpson's, satire and humor play an important role in allowing
us to turn our critical eye inward. Through this course explores the use of satire in
literature, film, television, and print media. What do we learn from laughing at
ourselves? How does satire allow us to talk openly about difficult topics? How
powerful is satire in shaping our opinions? Can we use satire to change the world?
We will analyze satirical works in an attempt to explore the depth and significance
of their meaning.
•
Principles of Drawing: Presents drawing problems that allow the student to
explore line, form, and subject matter concepts in producing visual imagery.
Stresses production of unusual compositions, involving the use of line, mass, and
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volume, and the application of a broad selection of drawing media.
•
Independent Studies in Sculpture, Drawing, and Alternative Media: Drawing
for Animation, Sculpture Design for Film and Video, Sound and Electronics for
Installation, and Wood Carving
Courses Taught at The University of Maryland
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Steel Sculpture
Metal Casting
Wood Sculpture
3-Dimensional Design
Intermediate Drawing
Introduction to Art Theory
Courses Taught at University of Maryland University College
•
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Introduction to Art Theory
Art Appreciation
Course Taught at Maryland College of Art and Design
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3-Dimensional Design
Introduction to Drawing
Institutional Service
2015—Present Belmont University Faculty Senate
2013—Present Teaching Center Advisory Board, Belmont University
2014—Present University Assessment Committee, Belmont University
2011—2012
Co-Chair NASAD Accreditation Committee: Charged with
organizing Webster University’s Art Department application and self-study as we
seek accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
2011—2012
Chair, Integrative Studies Advisory Board Steering
Committee: A committee formed to research and develop a proposal for a
committee to oversee integrative programs that are components of Webster’s
general education program: The Global Citizenship Project.
2008—2011
Chair, General Studies Committee, Webster University.
Highlights include the creation of the Freshman Seminar Task Force, established
to review Webster’s Freshman Seminar Program, and the expansion and
refinement of course offerings. Responsibilities include chairing General Studies
Committee meetings, recruiting GNST faculty, reviewing GNST course offerings,
maintaining GNST course schedules, assessing GNST courses and faculty, and
submitting reports to the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
2010—2012
Faculty Advisor Webster Art Coalition, Webster University Art
Department student organization.
2009—2011 Global Citizen Program Task Force: Member of the Global Citizen
Program Task Force, a group charged with reviewing Webster University’s
General Education curriculum and proposing a new general education program
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named the Global Citizen Program. Work concluded winter 2011 with the adoption
of the Global Citizenship Project, a new general education program for
undergraduate students.
2009—2011 Chair, Webster University Honors Board: The Honors Board
reviews the degree audits of all undergraduate students with a graduating GPA of
3.7 or higher to determine their eligibility for Latin Honors.
2008—2009 Freshman Seminar Task Force, ex-officio: In my capacity as Chair
of the General Studies Committee, I worked with the Freshman Seminar Task
Force, which was charged with reviewing Webster’s Freshman Seminar Program
and outlining the future Freshman Seminar Program.
2008—2012 Center for Interdisciplinary Studies: As Chair of General Studies, I
serve as a member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, a group that
oversees interdisciplinary programs at Webster.
2007—2011 General Studies Committee, Webster University
2007—Present Summer Advising: Webster University: Working with the
professional advisors in the Academic Advising Department, I advise incoming
freshman and transfer students at Freshman Days and individual appointments
with transfer students. Additionally, I wrote the Art Department advising guidelines
for academic advisors.
2005—2008 Team Leader and organizer for Webster Works World Wide
projects
2005—2010 Faculty Advisor: Webster University College Democrats: I serve
as the faculty advisor for the Webster University College Democrats, an approved
student organization.
2000—2001 Department Advisory Committee: University of Maryland
Advising Experience
2012—Present: Academic Advisor, Department of Art, Belmont University
2005—2012
Academic Advisor, Department of Art, Webster University
2007—2012
Summer Intake Advisor for Freshman and Transfer Students,
Webster University
Conferences
2015
2015
2014
Teaching Students Who Don't Expect You: Trans-Discipline
Classroom Swaps, 2015 Original Lilly Conference on College
Teaching, Oxford Ohio (Presenter)
Robot Invasion? New Technologies in Foundations: Foundations in
Art: Theory and Education Conference, Indianapolis, IN (panelist)
College Art Association Annual Conference, New York, NY
Interdisciplinary Teaching Exchange: Forging faculty connections to
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2013
2012
2011
broaden student perspectives. Lilly International Conference on
Teaching and learning, Oxford, OH (presenter)
Career Development Mentor; College Art Association Annual
Conference, Chicago, IL
Career Development Mentor; College Art Association Annual
Conference, Los Angeles, CA
On Stream; 2011 FATE/MACAA Biennial Conference; Panel Member:
Capstone Experiences: Paper title: OMG, I’m Graduating with a
Degree in Art! Now WTF Am I Supposed to Do? (panelist)
Professional Activities, Invited Lectures, and Workshops
2015
2014
Visiting Artist and Lecturer: Rift Valley Academy, Kijabe, Kenya
Visiting Artist Lecture: Vanderbilt University Art Department
Guest Critic: Vanderbilt University Art Department
Presenter: NADB: 1. Syllabi comics 2. Lists
2013
Visiting Artist Lecture: Webster University Art Department
Guest Critic: Webster University Art Department
Visiting Artist Lecture: Vanderbilt University Art Department
Guest Critic: Vanderbilt University Art Department
2012
Hamblet Award Juror: Van Vanderbilt University Art Department
Visiting Artist Lecture: Vanderbilt University Art Department
2011—2012
Webster University Global Leadership Academy: Pilot Cohort Fellow
2009—2010
Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, Saint Louis; Artist
Professional Practice Steering Committee
2008
Visiting Artist Lecture: Mississippi University for Women, MS
Gallery Talk: William & Florence Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2007
Visiting Artist Lecture: East Central Community College, Union, MO
Lecture: Art of Debris, St. Louis Community College, Meramec:
English Department Annual Retreat
2006
Lecture: Recent Work: Webster University Fall Faculty Institute
Visiting Artist Lecture: St. Louis Community College, Meramec
Artist Talk: Laumeier Sculpture Park Student Ambassadors
Visiting Artist Lecture: St. Louis Community College, Forest Park
Visiting Artist Lecture: Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta
2005
Visiting Artist Lecture: In the Spirit of the Studio Conference, Saint
Louis Reggio School Collaborative
Visiting Artist Lecture: Howard Community College
Visiting Artist Lecture: Webster University, Saint Louis
2004
Visiting Artist Lecture: Maryland Institute, College of Art
Visiting Artist Lecture: Northern Virginia Community College
Visiting Artist Lecture: Maryland College of Art and Design
2002
Visiting Artist Sculpture Workshop: Webster University, St. Louis
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2001
Visiting Artist Lecture: Webster University
Relevant Technical Experience
2012—Present Assistant Professor, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Management of undergraduate and graduate sculpture program and a
comprehensive sculpture studio (metal, wood, cold casting, foundry); able
to operate and instruct: MIG, TIG, ARC, and gas welding; metal forging;
bronze, aluminum, iron casting; rigid and flexible mold making; clay
modeling; wood working; wood carving; cold castables (plaster, concrete,
resin); plastics; construction techniques; metal working; kinetic sculpture;
and electronics among others.
2009-2012
Associate Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
2004-2009
Assistant Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
2003-2004
Preparator, Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
Managed gallery preparation and art handling
1999-2004
University of Maryland, College Park
As primary instructor or TA, oversaw maintenance and operation of:
comprehensive wood shop, steel shop, and metal foundry (including castiron cupolette operation)
1997-1998
Assistant Director, Art Fabrication, Brentwood Castings, St. Louis
Expertise in: clay modeling, pattern making, wax modeling and chasing,
various mold making processes, metal casting, metal chasing and
finishing, and patination
Awards/ Honors
2008
Faculty Research Grant, Webster University
2006
Kranzberg Exhibition Series, Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis, MO
2004
Trawick Prize, Finalist, Washington, DC
2001
David Driskell Award, University of Maryland
Graduate Honors, University of Maryland
2000
Daniel Olkhe Memorial Award of Excellence, University of Maryland
2000
Graduate Teaching Assistantship, University of Maryland
Dedalus Foundation Fellowship Nominee
1999
Graduate Fellowship, University of Maryland
1997
Cum Laude Graduate, Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
Departmental Honors, College of Fine Arts, Webster University
Best of Show, Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, Webster University
Solo Exhibitions
Professional Activities
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2013
2012
2009
2008
2006
2005
2004
2002
Materials
Hunt Gallery, St. Louis, MO
work/work
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
I’m not here to forget you
Isolation Room, Saint Louis, MO
All I Needed Was Everything
Philip Slein Gallery, Saint Louis, MO
Better Now Than They Once Was
Hemphill Fine Arts, H-Street Installation, Washington, DC
John Watson: New Work
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
Kranzberg Exhibition Series: John Watson
Laumeier Sculpture Park, Saint Louis, MO
Always Find A Way
Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
New Work
Philip Slein Gallery, Saint Louis, MO
That’s the Way ( _______ ) Go (installation)
Savannah Gallery, Atlanta, GA
John Watson: Small Town
Howard County College, Columbia, MD
John Watson: Drawings
Greenbelt Art Center, Greenbelt, MD
John Watson: New Work
School 33 Art Center, Baltimore, MD
Collaborations and Special Projects
2014
2012
2009
2008
2007
2006
Common Ground
Vanderbilt University, in collaboration with students
Installation
Private commission, Bakersville, NC
Space is the Place
Carroll Square Gallery/Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
Amass
Monte Vista Projects, Los Angeles, CA
Construction/Deconstruction: John Watson/Sandra Abrams
William & Florence Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
Amass: John Watson/Brandon Morse
Boots Contemporary Art Space, Saint Louis, MO
John Watson/Andrea Green
Laumeier Sculpture Park, Saint Louis, MO
Group Exhibitions
2013
Represent
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Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
Faculty Exhibition
Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Works on Paper
University of Hawaii, Hilo
2011
Viewing Room
Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
2008
Take Out
Ellen Curlee Gallery, St. Louis, MO
17 on 29
Metropolitan Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2007
Urban Shelter
LIMN Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Perspectives
Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN
ArtDC
Washington, DC
(re)Turn
East Central College, Union, MO
2006
Small Scale Work
Philip Slein Gallery, Saint Louis, MO
Continuous Constructions
Savannah Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2005
Construct, Assemble the Parts
Jacoby Art Center, Alton, IL
International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition
University of Hawaii, Traveling (catalog)
Fresh
Philip Slein Gallery, Saint Louis, MO (review)
Blackburn College, Dedication
Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL
Three Sculptors
Hunt Gallery, Saint Louis, MO
Opening on 14th Street (review)
Hemphill Fine Arts, Washington, DC
Trawick Prize (catalog)
Surplus (review Sculpture Magazine)
Area 405, Baltimore, MD
Creative Partners Gallery, Bethesda, MD
Signal 66 Summer Show
Signal 66, Washington, DC
Death
Area 405, Baltimore, MD
Anonymous
Washington Project for the Arts/Corcoran,
2004
2004
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Gallery at Flashpoint, Washington, DC
2003
Faculty Exhibition
Maryland College of Art and Design
Space; Blue
Washington, DC
2002
The Drawing Show
Sweetboyprojects, Los Angeles, CA
Insert: Soil
Seattle, WA
2001 Fresh (essay)
Arts 901, Washington, DC
Urban Primitive
Wohlfarth Gallery, Washington, DC
M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
2000
Conversations
Polish Embassy of America, Washington, DC
Post
Vienna Austria
1999
Art is Good
A.D. Brown, St. Louis, MO
Art Faculty Exhibition
Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, IN
1998
One Night Stand
Critical Mass, St. Louis, MO
1997
Subtitled
Mosa Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Boy/Girl; New Work, Mary Novak & John Watson
Forest Park Community College, St. Louis, MO
Baker’s Dozen, BFA Exhibition
Mosa Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Drawing Redefined
Art St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Curatorial/Juror Experience
2014
2010
2006
Artists Collect Art
Gallery 121, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Collective Reasoning
Saint Louis Artist Guild, Saint Louis, MO
I-70 Series, 5 Kansas City Artists
Hunt Gallery, Saint Louis, MO
Art and Air
Webster Groves, MO
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Professional Affiliations
College Art Association, Member
Washington Project for the Arts, Member
Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis, Member
Washington Sculptors Group, Member: 2000—2004
International Sculpture Center, Member
FATE: Foundations in Art Theory and Education, Member
MACAA: Mid-America College Art Association, Member
Reviews/Publications
2013
2009
“Contemplation Required at Webster University’s Hunt Gallery” Review of
Materials –Sarah Hermes Griesbach St. Louis Public Radio, 12/24/2013
“Elementary, My Dear Watson,” –Chris Kaye Surface Magazine Summer, 2009
“Powerful Wood Sculpture…” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post Dispatch
1/18/2009
“All I Needed…” –Jessica Baran Riverfront Times 1/27/2009
2008
“Amass” Boot Print, St. Louis, MO –Dana Turkovic Fall, 2008
2007
“Perspectives” -Susan W. Knowles Art Papers November/December, 2007
“Amass” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post Dispatch 11/8/07
“Perspectives' on a 300-mile circle” - Fredric Koeppel CommercialAppeal.com
5/22/06
“Urban Shelter and LIMN” –Jackie Spicer Art Week October, 2007
2006
“Kranzberg Exhibition Series: John Watson/Andrea Green” Exhibition
Catalogue –Essay by Kim Humphries
“Pushing Boundaries In One Building” -By Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post 5/19/2006
“Sculptors Show What’s…” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post Dispatch 7/16/2006
“Building a Better Box” –Guy Gray Riverfront Times 6/8/06
“Wood You” Washington Post Express 6/8/06
“April is for Art Lovers” –Alison Sieloff Riverfront Times 4/6/06
“1-70 Series” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post Dispatch 3/2/06
“Arts Biggest… -Best Show of Local Artists” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post
Dispatch 1/1/06
2005
“Sculptor Finds Art by Getting Lost In Wood” -David Bonetti Saint Louis Post
Dispatch 12/25/05
“Fresh and tasty: Downtown...” -Theresa Callahan West End Word 7/13/2005
“Slein serves youth” –David Bonetti Saint Louis Post Dispatch 7/24/2005
“Fresh…!” –Ivy Cooper Riverfront Times 7/13/2005
“Pick of the Week” Riverfront Times 6/29/2005
“Surplus” Sculpture Magazine April, 2005
“Sculptors Use Metal, Wood…” –Carrie Shylanski The Journal 2/3/05
2004
“Looking Up” Jeffery Cudlin Washington City Paper 12/24/2004
“Mr. Hemphill’s New…” Jessica Dawson Washington Post 12/2/2004
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“Area 405 Takes on…” Lily Thayer Baltimore City Paper 2/25/2004
“Trawick Prize” Lenny Campello DC Art News 9/11/2004
“Trawick Prize, 2004” Catalog
2003
“Making Sense at School 33” Mike Giuliano Towson Times 1/08/2003
2002
“Critics Choice, School 33Art Center” Baltimore City Paper 12/11/2002
2001
“Fresh” Annie Gawlak, Exhibition essay August, 2001
“Post Exhibition…” The Voice, (Vienna Austria) 3/03/2001
“Diary Dates” Austria Today, 2/06/2001
1997
“Art Abound…” Jeff Daniels St. Louis Post Dispatch: 11/08/1997
“One Night Stand" Jeff Daniels St. Louis Post Dispatch
Gallery Representation:
Hemphill Fine Arts
1515 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 234-5601
Philip Slein Gallery
1319 Washington Avenue
Saint Louis MO 63103
(314) 621-4634
-ENDBiography –John Watson
A native of Indianapolis, IN, John Watson received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of
Maryland and his BFA from Webster University. He has been the subject of solo exhibitions at
Vanderbilt University, HEMPHILL in Washington, DC, Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, MO,
Philip Slein Gallery in St. Louis, and the Savannah Gallery in Atlanta, GA, among others. Working
primarily with reclaimed wood, mostly salvaged from the cast-offs of trade and industry, building
sites, or home remodeling projects, Watson builds objects and installations that reference the
spaces and places of the built environment. He taught sculpture in the Leigh Gerdine College of
Fine Arts at Webster University in St. Louis from 2004-2012, and currently serves on the faculty in
the Department of Art at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where he lives with his wife and two
dogs. When not making or teaching, he puts his energy towards playing hurling, a fast paced field
sport, with the Nashville Gaelic Athletic Club, which he co-founded with Anji Wall in 2013.
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