John Wells Givvines

Master potter extraordinaire and Sage John Wells Givvines passed away on January 15, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was 78 years of age. John was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 15,1946. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years Helga, his daughter Tanichka , his two sisters Mary and Anna as well as nieces and nephews.
John grew up in Catonsville, Maryland and then moved to Franklin North Carolina after returning from serving in Vietnam. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in art. While at Western John fell in love with pottery! He went on to study pottery at Arrowmount Craft School in Tennessee. John left Arrowmount to accept a position as a Ceramics instructor at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. John credited his students for keeping him “fired up” for 25 years. He loved every moment of teaching.
John never met a stranger and was known for his generosity, honesty and kindness. He was an avid reader, especially of history and science fiction. He was a lover of folk music and opera. He was a stupendous punster! His pottery lives on with its own distinctive style. In his own words “Pottery is a lifelong therapy session”. John submerged himself in pottery it was his “lifeline”. He was a rare gem and one of a kind. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him! A celebration of his life will be held at Meredith College at a later date.