You’re Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumnus John Henry

Major: Art

Current Career: Sculptor

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

Went to University of Kentucky 1961-62, transferred to School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduated in 1969 with honors. 

Professor of Sculpture at University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago. 

Became an International Artist by 1990 exhibiting and in collections worldwide.

Did you have a mentor? If yes, how was this helpful for you?

Several mentors – Kenneth Campbell famous stone carver, showed me how to work.  Richard Hunt taught me the professional artist regimen.  Steve Urry gave me the principles of freedom to go beyond the boundaries. 

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My father when I worked for him as a teenager.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

Stay in touch with colleagues and clients who have become friends and supporters.  Networking is probably the most important activity which supports the career day by day.

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Have never looked for a job but have hired many.  Go first for a job that you know you can do successfully and then stretch out and work toward things that challenge your abilities. 

When going through the hiring process, what do you look for in a job candidate?

Straight forwardness and honesty, and of course, ability.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

There is no substitute for hard work and knowing everything possible about the career you intend to pursue.  Learn the language, the history, the players and the nuances of the matrix of the profession.  No matter how talented you might be don’t try to be a professional artist without having a strong foundation in art history and how the art world functions.