John Poole

John was one of the first artists selected to work exclusively in the Foundry. He and Norm Taylor spent the first several weeks searching for appropriate Kohler Co. contacts for materials and equipment. This initial residency was invaluable in establishing the Foundry as a permanent part of the Arts/Industry program. John describes the Kohler Co. Foundry as a metal caster’s dream come true. For John, it was not just the time he had to make work but the opportunity to work within a community of people from all social classes which characterized his residency. Inspired by the Arts/Industry program, John approached a foundry in Minneapolis and now maintains a studio there. John Poole received his B.F.A. from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and his M.F.A. from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. John’s work has been exhibited at Drake University; the University of North Dakota, Fargo; and the Katherine Nash Gallery of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He has given lectures about his work and foundry processes at several universities and was on the planning committee for the Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art at the Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark, Birmingham, Alabama.