Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Robert Harrison and Danielle O’Malley. In our interview we talk about the history and goals of the NCECA Green Task Force. The group works to educate and empower artists to engage in sustainability and environmental stewardship. For more information visit www.ncecagtf.com or visit the GTF booth at this year’s conference.   To wrap up our miniseries on sustainability I’ll be hosting a live podcast taping at this year’s NCECA conference in Cincinatti on Friday March 17th at 2:30 in room 212. The panel Taking an Environmental Approach to Making features Marianne Chénard, and Green Task Force members Julia Galloway and Ché R. Ochtli. Drop by to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Caroline Cheng. A noted artist and curator, Cheng has recently expanded her practice into environmental design through the Yi Design Group. The company turns recycled ceramic material from Jingdezhen into architectural products. In our interview we talk about launching a design start-up, addressing the issue of ceramic waste, and the evolution of The Pottery Workshop. Cheng is the Executive Director of the art center, which promotes ceramics throughout China, and has studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dali and Jingdezhen. For more information visit www.carolinecheng.com or www.yidesigngroup.com.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Courtney Martin. She uses resists to create strong geometric patterns on her forms. The blend of hard and soft edges is highlighted by her wood kiln, which lends the glazes a warm depth. In our interview we talk about learning pattern making from Mata Ortiz artists, hand building large forms, and expressing environmental values through the way she works. To see examples of her work, visit www.courtneymartinpottery.com.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with En Iwamura. From his studio in Shigaraki, Japan he makes ceramic heads that reference traditional Haniwa tomb figures while using the aesthetics of Manga and Anime. In our interview we talk about developing his approach to cultural artifacts, essentializing the figure, and his time at the Archie Bray. For more information visit www.en-iwamura.com or his gallery Ross + Kramer.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Adero Willard. After many years as a studio potter, she has recently moved towards large scale sculptural vessels that incorporate dense overlapping patterns. In our interview we talk about matriarchal influences, how an object can hold power, and the exhibition Clay Holds Water, Water Holds Memory. Willard curated the show to highlight eighteen black women or non-binary artists for this year’s NCECA conference. For more information visit www.aderowillard.com or www.clay-water-memory.com.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Wesley Brown. He combines thrown forms with thick slabs to make sculptures and pottery that feels monumental both in their emotion and scale. In our interview we talk about his methods of building, finding a unifying surface, and teaching at East Stroudsburg University, where he is a Fredrick Douglas Scholar. He has a show on display until March 3rd at ESU’s Madelon Powers Gallery. To see examples of his work, visit www.wesleytbrown.com.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Kurt Anderson. His ceramics and paintings feature compositions of robots, animals, and human hybrids that are visually playful and filled with humor. In our interview we talk about color dynamics and trusting your aesthetic voice. To see examples of his work, visit @kurtandersonpottery on Instagram. To start the episode I talk with Rebecca Harvey, the new director of the Archie Bray Foundation, about the residency program at the Bray. The deadline for this year’s residency applications is February 15th. To find out more visit www.archiebray.org/residencies.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Joey Quiñones. They use fibers and ceramics in their mixed-media sculpture to highlight the domestic and cultural histories of African and Caribbean Americans. In our interview we talk about their prior career as an English professor, the role of art in understanding identity, and the work they made while at the Kohler residency. To see examples of their work you can check them out on Instagram at @jquinones_art.   NCECA will be hosting their first ever podcast room at this year’s conference in Cincinnati. Thursday March 16th and Friday March 17th there will be six hour-long live tapings of popular ceramic podcasts. I’ll be hosting an episode titled Taking an Environmental Approach to Making with Marianne Chénard, Julia Galloway, and Ché R. Ochtli on Friday at 2:30 in room 212. Please drop in to experience this new interactive format for discussion at NCECA. For more information visit www.nceca.net.    Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art is an on-line source for research and inspiration, featuring images of thousands of objects made by over 800 artists. www.Rosenfieldcollection.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Osa Atoe. She transitioned to clay a decade ago after spending years as a musician playing in bands and documenting the punk scene. Her functional forms are decorated with geometric patterns that break under flowing matte glazes in reference to the ever-changing shoreline of the Gulf Coast of Florida, where she lives. In our interview we talk about her path to clay, founding the Kaabo Clay Collective—a mutual aid organization for Black potters, and the documentary Vessels for the Human Spirit, which she is making about David MacDonald. For more information visit www.potterybyosa.com and www.kaaboclaycollective.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Lorna Meaden. From her studio in Durango, CO Lorna makes functional pottery that is decorated with geometric patterns that contrast breaking glazes over crisp incised lines. In our interview we talk about developing a local market, refining forms through repetition, and the challenge of making complicated multipart forms. To see examples of her work, visit www.lornameadenpottery.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Dr. Kelli Morgan and Jennifer Zwilling. They co-curated Figuring Space, an exhibition featuring twelve contemporary artists working with the human figure. In the interview we discuss the historical use of the figure to portray power, the variety of sculptural approaches used by the featured artists, and The Clay Studio’s recent move to South Kensington. The exhibition opens January 12th at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. To find out more visit www.theclaystudio.org.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with curator Mary Savig. As the Lloyd Herman Curator of Craft at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery she is one of the co-curators of the 50th anniversary exhibition This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World. The bulk of the exhibition features 135 recently acquired works from women and artists of color who are expanding the canon of craft. In our interview we talk about the curatorial themes of the exhibition, how museum acquisition campaigns work, and the profiles of a handful of artists featured in the exhibition. The show will be on display at the Renwick Gallery until April 2023.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   As the end of the year approaches, we are asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. To donate visit www.brickyardnetwork.org and scroll down until you see the donate now button. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Chotsani Elaine Dean and donald a clark. They co-authored the new book Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists, which profiles thirty-eight contemporary artists working in clay. The book sheds light on the contributions and experiences of African Americans who continue to shape the ceramic history of the United States. The publication is available where fine books are sold.   Chotsani Elaine Dean is an artist and assistant professor of ceramics at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. donald a clark is an author, gallerist, and collector based in Springfield, MA.   It's holiday season, and I have a special offer for my podcast listeners. To celebrate my daughter’s first birthday on December 22nd I’m offering $22 off any order at www.carterpottery.com. Use offer code HOLIDAY22 at checkout before December 20th to receive the discount. If you are looking for a podcast-related gift visit www.talesofaredclayrambler.com where you’ll find our tenth anniversary t-shirts, posters, and water bottles. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   As the end of the year approaches, we are asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. To donate visit www.brickyardnetwork.org and scroll down until you see the donate now button. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Dawn Candy. She often contrasts botanical motifs with geometric patterns to create depth and movement on the surfaces of her pottery. In our interview we talk about the concept of potential energy in nature and how to capture it through drawing, and the balance of making labor intensive work that remains affordable. To see examples of her work, visit www.littlesister.ca.     It's holiday season, and I have a special offer for my podcast listeners. To celebrate my daughter’s first birthday on December 22nd I’m offering $22 off any order at www.carterpottery.com. Use offer code HOLIDAY22 at checkout before December 20th to receive the discount. If you are looking for a podcast-related gift visit www.talesofaredclayrambler.com where you’ll find our tenth anniversary t-shirts, posters, and water bottles. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   As the end of the year approaches, we are asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. To donate visit www.brickyardnetwork.org and scroll down until you see the donate now button. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast we have an interview with Sam Lopez. Based in San Diego, he makes porcelain pots that are decorated with blue and white patterns that melt and blur in the kiln. In our interview we talk about his family ties to Craft, finding his path in ceramics, and the joys of parenthood. To see examples of his work, visit www.slopstudios.com. It's holiday season, and I have a special offer for my podcast listeners. To celebrate my daughter’s first birthday on December 22nd I’m offering $22 off any order at www.carterpottery.com. Use offer code HOLIDAY22 at checkout before December 20th to receive the discount. If you are looking for a podcast-related gift visit www.talesofaredclayrambler.com where you’ll find our tenth anniversary t-shirts, posters, and water bottles. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   As the end of the year approaches, I'm asking you to donate to the Brickyard Network. You can help this show and our network of ceramic podcasts by supporting the Archie Bray Foundation with your tax-deductible donation. To donate visit www.brickyardnetwork.org and scroll down until you see the donate now button. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast we have a live episode that was taped as part of the Envision: Woodfire NC conference in May 2022. Mark Hewitt talks with Priscilla Mouritzen, Diego Valles, and Carla Martinez Vargas about their ceramic practice, and how they express a personal sense of place and culture within their work. Diego and Carla are part of the Mata Ortiz tradition in Chihuahua, Mexico and Priscilla has made Denmark her home for many decades. To find out more about the artists visit the conference website www.woodfirenc.com/artists.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   The Archie Bray Foundation is looking for nominations for their board and invite you to self-nominate, or suggest a friend. The Bray is looking for nominees that are active problem solvers with a commitment to community. You can find more information about the open call by searching board of director at https://archiebray.org/about/board-of-directors/.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I talk with Jackie Head. She creates Neo-Op Art installations that manipulate space through the interplay of color and undulating pattern. She recently finished a mixed media installation at the Indianapolis airport that stretched fourteen hundred feet and was made with 350,000 colored plastic cups. In our interview we talk about her public art pieces, developing specific glaze colors for her ceramic tile, and directing a team to accomplish a complicated install. To see examples of her work, visit www.jackiehead.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com   Do you have a story to tell about the history of the Archie Bray Foundation or your experience at The Bray? We are collecting stories for an upcoming podcast and our 75th anniversary. Call the new Bray Story Line and leave your story at (774) 500-BRAY (2729).

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I talk with Dan Finnegan. He has been making ceramics since the mid-1970’s and recently had a retrospective drawing from forty years of his work at the University of Mary Washington. In our interview we talk about his early training at Winchcombe Pottery in the UK, the impact of inflation of pottery prices, and Pottery on the Hill, a ceramic invitational he started in Washington, DC. This year’s Pottery on the Hill is happening November 11th -13th at the Hill Center. For more information visit www.danfinneganpottery.com.   Do you have a story to tell about the history of the Archie Bray Foundation or your experience at The Bray? We are collecting stories for an upcoming podcast and our 75th anniversary. Call the new Bray Story Line and leave your story at (774) 500-BRAY (2729).   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I talk with Isabelle Fish. She is the founder of Rue Pigalle, an international community of women championing crafts and craftspeople. The community hosts master classes, travel events, and creative conversations for its members. In our interview we talk about her time as a gallery owner, the role of beauty in sustaining society, and the annual holiday gift collection that she created to highlight craft artists. For more information visit www.ruepigalle.ca. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I talk with Patty Bilbro. She received training through the professional crafts program at Haywood Community College in the early 1990’s, and has recently shifted her focus to sculptural vessels painted with geometry and the human figure. In our interview we talk about her approach to drawing the figure and how a day job supports her exploration of sculpture. To see examples of her work, visit www.pattybilbro.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:   For the past 100 years, AMACO Brent has been creating ceramic supplies for our community ranging from underglazes to electric kilns, and they have no plans of slowing down. www.amaco.com