Winston is an Arkansas native, born in Little Rock in 1948, living there until 1990 when he and his family moved to Russellville, Arkansas. He attended public schools in Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he received his bachelor degree in art. After serving as a studio assistant to the late Rosemary Fisher, he taught pottery at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock and has been teaching pottery at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center in Russellville from 1990 to present. He is married to Kristen Taylor, who teaches at Sequoyah Elementary in Russellville. Their daughter Megan, upon graduation from University of Central Arkansas, will pursue a career in interior design.

The love for working in clay was immediate when he touched it for the first time in the early 70s at U.A.L.R. as a student. “Actually it touched me and the potential for expression has kept me entranced since”. He has taken workshops from Paul Soldner, Don Reitz, Harvey Sadow, Adelphia Martinez and Peter King. “Paul Soldner and Don Reitz taught me to do what clay wants to do naturally; Harvey Sadow showed me the enchantment of raku, and Adelphia Martinez taught me the importance of dedication and patience and that art is a catalyst between all cultures. Inspired by an intensive workshop with Peter King, I have also created large scale architectural works such as sinks, tile, columns and relief sculptures”.

Winston’s work is most often raku fired and intended as objects of art.  One series reflects the influence of the art of dance, another of southwest Native American culture, and one series is simply a response to the beauty of nature by incorporating found natural objects with vessels. 

“The inherent risky nature of raku firing is a teacher of acceptance in triumph and defeat.  One has to have only limited expectations because most often results are not quite the same.  The rewards are often enough that I stay motivated to produce.  Raku has historical ties with a Japanese tea ceremony that hold a high regard for harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.  The things I know about pottery making and learn about the history of raku and other cultures is woven into a special significance to me, and this is what I strive to express in my work.”