“Tim’s enthusiasm and passion for clay and people, are exhibited everyday through his desire and actions to make the world a better place.  Not only does he find joy in working but he also has the ability to share that joy with others through his teachings. Tim has a work ethic that is refreshing to see and energizes the people around him. Our studio is a great place for learning, laughter and love, and the presence of Tim See is a foundational part.”

“When I first came to Clayscapes I thought I would make some candle holders with dragonflies on them. “No, no, no,” said Tim. Low and behold, I made the most awesome lantern, dipped in a glaze which makes it look like metal. I showed it to a friend and they could not believe it wan’t metal, and, that I made it!I think with Tim you must have the confidence to push yourself and not let your ego get in the way. You have to realize your own strengths and weaknesses and then use them to your advantage.”

“Nearly two decades ago, I first encountered Tim’s work at the Clothesline Festival in the Memorial Art Gallery, where I had recently retired as chief curator. I nominated Tim for a Merit Award, and encouraged the Gallery Store’s manager to take a look. Many of us in Rochester were intrigued by the combination of elegant glazes and forms with his riff on industrial equipment. Tim’s versatility and ongoing experimentation with fresh ideas kept me going back year after year to visit his booth at Clothesline. I’m very pleased and proud to have witnessed his continuing mastery of his craft. His innovative spirit infuses his work and also informs his teaching. I treasure my Tim See pieces.”

“Thoughtful. Observant. Sharp. Talented. Insightful. Direct. Experienced. Tim is highly curious; he is brilliant but definitely not lost in the clouds.

As a teacher he makes you think and he does it with humor and, sometimes, even compassion. Tim creates an atmosphere that helps me remember how to laugh. He is so generous as a teacher that one might begin to imagine the possibility of catching up with him, but he is always learning too so that moving target will always be three (or 30) steps ahead.

But, don’t bother trying to take notes unless you think you can
transcribe the Tasmanian Devil!”

“As a student it has been rather fortuitous that I can call Tim See my teacher. His prodigious knowledge of all aspects of clay makes him a never-ending torrent of information, insight and incentive to excel – all delivered with a great sense of humor and playfulness.

Tim’s ability to observe and analyze sets him apart from other instructors I’ve experienced in any field. Because of his observations and analysis, he can address the “whys” in just about every situation – from why one should place their hands in a certain place while throwing ,to why a particular piece in the wood kiln should go in a particular spot. He is always willing to answer a question or help you work through a problem, and he patiently helps the student progress at their pace.

His personal dogged pursuit of excellence and growth is a force that propels everyone forward. He is energetic, exuberant, and entertaining.”

“Tim See is a gentleman, master potter and a devoted husband to Brenda. His style is spontaneous when teaching yet he always knows the answer to all of our questions and can teach the rationales as well. It is my honor to be his student!”

“1) Tim has a flawless artistic eye, an encyclopedic knowledge of ceramics and is able to blend classic forms with new innovative designs to create fantastic, perfect pottery.

2) Tim’s greatest strength as a teacher is his keen ability to break concepts down to basic steps and then deliver the information in a consistent and entertaining manner.

3) Sensei Tim is centered, grounded and one with the fire.”

“Tim marries the high standards of a master craftsman with an absolutely fearless attitude of experimentation.  His constant goal of perfection in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of his pieces make his work second to none.”

“Good teachers make you think and Tim See certainly does that for his students. Aesthetics, function, chemistry, ethics, cultural influences, self expression…he brings them all to the table. The unique direction that my own work has taken would not have happened without his tutelage and encouragement.

It’s not unusual to hear bursts of laughter coming from the direction of Tim See’s classes. And if you weren’t right there to hear the joke, you wish you were. Happily, Tim’s humor also comes through in his ceramic work.

“Why?” “What’s the story?”  As I develop my work in interpreting natural forms, these questions reverberate. Tim asked me these questions early on as I was developing my work, and they continue to guide my thinking. His guidance took me from an individual project to a bigger picture.”