The Potters Cast

Ceramics by Jas is a handmade ceramic studio based in Singapore. The artist behind the brand is Jaspreet Kaur. Jaspreet is a hand builder and believes in creating pottery as a form of functional art- a form of beauty and elegance to be enjoyed every single day. Apart from pottery, Jaspreet enjoys travelling and a lot of her work is inspired by her travels across Europe. Jaspreet enjoys playing with colours and textures and creating simple everyday functional items which are a treat to the senses- to see, hold and use.

Daniel Velasquez is a professional artist, muralist, and founder of Hydralas Designs. Daniel uses art to create a dialogue with diverse environments and their inhabitants in order to create a sense of community and wonder to public spaces. Daniel has a passion for nature, environmental design, health, and community which he seeks to promote with his work.

Tommy Frank was born and raised in Florida. Tommy received his B.A. in Ceramics from Asbury University (KY) and his M.F.A in Ceramics from Bowling Green State University (OH). In between Tommy was awarded three residencies: Morean Center for Clay (FL), Archie Bray Foundation (MT) summer residency and Odyssey ClayWorks (NC). He also attended the post-baccalaureate program at the University of Florida before going to graduate school. For nine years, Tommy was the Studio Manager at Belger Crane Yard Studios (MO). When he left that position, Tommy was supervising the Residency program, adult and children's education programming, Studio Membership program and retail clay supply at Crane Yard Clay. Since 2020, Tommy has been the founder and CEO of FrankArts, an online platform that produces and hosts virtual workshops for artists. The mission of FrankArts is to make artist presenters and their workshop presentations accessible to a global audience while generating sustainable income for artists.

Stephen Salter Pottery was founded in 2018 in Rockwall, Texas. Currently running and selling out of San Marcos Texas. When in college Stephen found his love for ceramic art when taking an elective class with Julie Blackstone. Very quickly it became one of the big centers of Stephen's life. Stephen started by selling custom work and doing shows, in 2021 he moved to San Marcos to apprentice at The Barn Pottery. Stephen now lives and works in San Marcos continuing his ceramic business with a focus in functional pottery.

Isaih Porter, born and raised in California, is a young potter who currently works, teaches, and lives in Santa Barbara. At the beginning of the pandemic, Isaih was laid off from his job in game-development and took it as a sign (or maybe an excuse) to shift careers. Now, Isaih has created a small pottery business, began teaching regularly, produces work for other potters, and even converted an old electric kiln into his very own down-draft propane kiln.

Maddy Kelly grew up on an island off the coast of New Jersey, participating in ceramics programs since 6th grade. Maddy went to college and studied nutrition, public health, and then got her master's degree in health psychology. Maddy made a new year's resolution to breathe more energy into ceramics in 2018.

Doug Rubenstein is a potter living in Northern California and is inspired by exploring the intersections between nature and people in his work. Prior to working as a potter full time, Doug was an early childhood teacher for 5 years in New York City and decided to focus on his passion for art in 2020 by starting his own small business, Fifth Season Studio, and moving back to the West Coast.

Molly Walter creates sculptural and functional ceramics with a focus on deeply carved patterns. Molly is a graduate of Haywood Community College's professional craft program. Originally from Illinois, Molly has lived and worked a variety of jobs in Western North Carolina since 2009. March 2021 marks Molly's first attempt at working full time in the studio.

Emma Baird is a jeweler in Edinburgh, Scotland, who started her adventures with Clay in 2019. Emma started out by making some simple plaster molds and slip casting porcelain that she coloured with mason stains, before trying out some experimental glaze pours on slab built stoneware plates. Emma's discovery of the endless possibilities with glazing led her to switch from porcelain to mainly work with stoneware and she finally got a wheel in March 2021. Emma's homewares are bright and colourful and put the fun into functional!

Laura Crosland creates wheel thrown pottery intricately carved with geometric patterns and distinctive glazes, alongside a range of tableware in her studio in St Ives, Cornwall. Laura studied ceramics at Wolverhampton University before working for potters Peter Beard and Penny Simpson before 2 years at the Leach Pottery as a production potter.

Paul Lowe Was born and raised in Oslo Norway where he spent his childhood cooking and crafting with his Grandmother. Paul worked as a food and prop stylist all over Europe before settling in NYC 15 years ago. Paul's love of ceramics started 7 years ago after taking a class.... It was love at first slab. Paul describes his style as heavily influenced by his Nordic heritage with clean and simple lines and colors. Today Paul lives and works in Palm Springs with husband James and 3 dogs.

Rebecca McClure is a ceramic artist from Victoria, British Columbia in Canada, the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. She began working with clay in 1991, but previously studied art education, theatre design, and art history at the University of Calgary. Rebecca creates work with a modern vibe, using classic forms, stark contrasts, and vibrant colours.

Aba Hutchison is a new potter/ceramicist who has been studying the craft for a year and a half under Jonathan Williams of Rock Hill Pottery Center. Before Aba studied ceramics, she focused mainly on portraiture which has a strong influence on her style, featuring several freehand sgraffito or glaze pencil portraits. Aba also designs section plates for adults.

Tarragon Smith was born and raised in Canada, but is currently living in the UK. Tarragon's background is in fine art with a BFA and MA in fine art. Through a natural progression Tarragon has moved into ceramics and makes esoteric functional ware and non-functional ware. Tarragon also teaches adult evening classes.

Silvia Vega, born and raised in Guatemala, is currently a ceramic student at Lone Star College Montgomery, located near Houston, Texas, under the instruction of Professor Charles Wood. Silvia had the opportunity to explore various museums in Europe, finally settling down to live in Paris, France. Silvia had intentions of finally entering an art program, but the school she applied for had a waiting list of years! Despite these obstacles, Silvia's love for art never waned. In 2017, at the age of 44, Silvia decided to finally fulfill her dream of pursuing an art degree. Silvia was captivated by her first ceramics class where she realized her passion was using clay as a canvas for her creativity. When Silvia's hands aren't busy caring for her three children, they are molding, sculpting, and drawing. Only recently has Silvia begun to enter her work into shows. In her second semester at Lone Star College Silvia won first place in a juried art show. Silvia has been published for three consecutive years in the school magazine, Swirl Magazine, which features selected students' fine arts and writing. Silvia continues to pour her heart into her pottery as she explores various techniques and finds new ways to express her creativity.

Silvia Vega, born and raised in Guatemala, is currently a ceramic student at Lone Star College Montgomery, located near Houston, Texas, under the instruction of Professor Charles Wood. Silvia had the opportunity to explore various museums in Europe, finally settling down to live in Paris, France. Silvia had intentions of finally entering an art program, but the school she applied for had a waiting list of years! Despite these obstacles, Silvia's love for art never waned. In 2017, at the age of 44, Silvia decided to finally fulfill her dream of pursuing an art degree. Silvia was captivated by her first ceramics class where she realized her passion was using clay as a canvas for her creativity. When Silvia's hands aren't busy caring for her three children, they are molding, sculpting, and drawing. Only recently has Silvia begun to enter her work into shows. In her second semester at Lone Star College Silvia won first place in a juried art show. Silvia has been published for three consecutive years in the school magazine, Swirl Magazine, which features selected students' fine arts and writing. Silvia continues to pour her heart into her pottery as she explores various techniques and finds new ways to express her creativity.

Nicola Moore is an Australian ceramics and mixed media artist who works out of her backyard studio in Pasadena, California. Nicola's work is a vibrant and eclectic creation of unique and functional works of art. She thrives on spontaneity, color, and the exciting evolution of experimental processes. Born in South Africa, and brought up in New Zealand and Australia, Niclola completed a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications in 2004. Since then life, and Nicol's previous work as a motion graphics artist and painter, led her to live in many different cities around the world, including London, New York, Amsterdam, and currently, Los Angeles. Now, through a consciously intuitive work flow, Nicola draws from a global pool of inspiration and experience.

Alison Thyra Grubb makes iridescent ceramic jewelry and homeware in her studio in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Alison graduated from Gray's School of Art in 2019 where she studied 3D design, specializing in ceramics. Alison's geometric ceramics are made using a combination of slip casting and 3D printing and are decorated using colour changing lustre glazes.

Brian Chen is from New Jersey and discovered ceramics in college in 2014 and has since spent most of his time trying to learn as much as he could. Brian took a few workshops before finding himself working with Simon Levin as an apprentice. Brian finished his apprenticeship at the end of 2020 and is currently a resident artist at Carbondale Clay Center.

Brian R. Jones grew up in Syracuse, NY and is now an artist living and working in Portland, OR. He has been a resident artist at Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, ME and The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA. He has earned degrees from The New York State College of Ceramics (BFA) and Southern Methodist University (MFA). He was a presenter at the Utilitarian Clay VI: Celebrate the Object at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in September 2012. In 2013, Jones was selected as an Emerging Artist by the National Council on the Education in the Ceramic Arts.

George Metropoulos McCauley, a Greek/American potter, has had 30 solo shows and has been included in 400 exhibitions. He has taught and conducted workshops internationally. The recipient of 4 National Endowment for the Arts grants and the prestigious Roy Acuff Chair of Excellence for the Arts at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, TN, his pottery and sculpture are included in international collections in 12 countries. Among the books and periodicals to feature his work are: Teapots, 21st Century Ceramics in the United States and Canada, The Best of Pottery (editions 1 and 2), Contemporary Ceramics, Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Ceramic Sculpture: Inspiring Techniques , Glazes: Materials, Recipes and Techniques, The International Teapot Exhibition in Shanghai, 500 Vases and 500 Platters, 500 Teapots . Ceramics Monthly, The Chinese Potter's Newsletter, Ceramics Monthly of Korea, Ceramics: Art and Perception. McCauley continues to have a busy workshop and exhibition schedule and still finds time to produce his own local television show," George's House of Interesting Things" on HCTV , and "GHOC Wednesday Night Videos on the internet. He has 2 films to his credit, "Archie C. Bray, Life at the Brickyard" 2008 and "Ron Meyers and the Usual Suspects" 2013. Additionally McCauley has been working with the low income and disabled community for 50 years. He maintains a studio at his home in Helena, Montana where he makes colorful earthenware pots, high temperature wood firing, earthenware wood firing and narrative sculpture. Along the way he has worked as a chef in a Greek restaurant, Formula 4 Racecar mechanic and driver, fulltime cowboy/horse trainer, concrete inspector, aluminum siding salesman, western catalog model, lifeguard and carpenter.

Jolene Hewison is a ceramicist working from the beautiful Margaret River Region in Western Australia. Jolene's work is design focused, with the aim of incorporating both aesthetic and functional qualities in interesting ways. Jolene loves the idea of making work that can feel special and be of use in every day life.

Melodee Joy Jackson is a Michigan-based potter who works with high-fire stoneware. Melodee sometimes etches images into her pottery, such as panoramic views of houses and city scapes. Currently Melodee is making pieces with sculpture, whether that be shallow relief grapes on a chalice or a life-size frog on top of a jar.

Tania Rustage's pottery adventure started in sunny South Africa, as a hobby. Before she knew it, Tania was 'mesmerized by mud' and turning it into wonderful works of Decorative Art and Functional Wares, which she refers to as 'Clay for display & Everyday use'. Tania's work has a variety of finishes, from glossy glaze to distressed and whimsical, and the sculptural work all tells a story, starting with a title to a finished piece. Tania enjoys making this Fun & Whimsical Work, & adding a touch of attitude, with strong attention to detail and precision.

Jon Stein is a potter and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio. Jon found the potters wheel at fifteen and never looked back. A desire to further his understanding of atmospheric firing led Jon to Utah State University where he completed his MFA. Jon is currently the Education Director at Queen City Clay.

Ayshah Almosalam received her Bachelor of Art Education degree from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia and her Master of Fine Art from Fontbonne University, Montana in the United States. Ayshah went from a teacher's assistant to a lecturer at Qassim University (2012-2021) teaching drawing, painting, and ceramics for Art Education undergraduate students, as well as administrative work at the Art Education department. Participated in different galleries in Saudi Arabia (paintings).

Alejandra Mangaña is part of the husband and wife duo with her husband Luis who combine contemporary design and art using their experiences as a an influence. Each piece is handmade on the potter's wheel made with food safe glazes in-house with intention to be part of their customer's daily routines for a long time.

Samantha (Sam) Haster is a potter and educator, originally from Wisconsin and is now living in the Chicago area. Sam makes functional, comfortable, soda-fired pots that she hopes will inspire users to more fully engage with the conversations and interactions of everyday life.

Bilyana Yankulova was born and raised in Bulgaria. Bilyana is an established pottery, graphic and visual artist with 30+ years of experience. Bilyana graduated from an Art High School specializing in ceramics; however Bilyana also received classical training in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Later on Bilyan went to obtain her MA in Ceramics from the National Academy of Arts-Sofia in Bulgaria. Bilyana moved to the United States in 2005 and has been residing in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Bilyana mainly makes her pottery using a throwing technique; however she does like to also use the slab method of building. In the past Bilyana has worked with many different clays, techniques and recently, she has been enjoying working with porcelain and creating all kinds of things from beautiful jewelry to everyday use mugs to bigger sculptures and pieces great for interior and exterior design. All of Bilyana pieces were created with both aesthetic and functionality in mind. Bilyana uses lead-free underglaze and glaze and fires everything at cone 5 and 6.

Caroline Couzens is both a designer and maker working across interiors and ceramics. Caroline's aim is always to solve problems, create balance, and achieve beauty. Every project undertaken starts with a materials based approach whether she's designing a space or indeed an object. Caroline works from her studio in north London.

Celestial Surf Studio is an extension of Stephanie Washburn as an individual. All of the inspiration and musings Stephanie gathers from the natural world around her are transformed to function. The mystique and charm of Stephanie's local landscape, allure of crystal formations, and astronomic cycles all influence the pieces Stephanie creates.

M Rathsack is a raku potter living in Western North Carolina. M is also the owner and teacher at M's School of Art which she established over 14 years ago. M also paints a little and has her hands in all sorts of other crazy creative ventures!

ShprixieLand is the collaborative pottery art project between Heath Carra and his wife, Victoria Henriksen. For the last 20 years Heath and Victoria have made colorful and richly patterned pottery in their home studio at Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada. Heath and Victoria work mainly with slab-built porcelain, lace patterns, and underglaze.

On September 1, 2019 Renee Zantay lost her property, job, and community to Hurricane Dorian- a direct hit to the island that knocked out power on the for 475 days. In the wake of this catastrophe Renee's husband suggested that she should follow her dream and become a potter. Renee miraculous found gas kiln and wheel. Using the power of social media Renee started selling product before her first firing. As an avid self promoter she started using hashtags like #Notatrainedkilntechnician. to gain traction. Renee now volunteers to teach a homeschool class that she funds with my ceramics.

Francesca Kaye earned her degree in fashion and textiles in the early 80's . Though she was well versed in all aspects of textiles, the only thing Francesca liked was print . Francesca was asked if she could make tiles for someone's kitchen and she said yes and made them at home while watching tv !!! Eventually Francesca got a studio in the late 80's at Cockpit Workshops ... the most brilliant place in central London. Francesca's first order was for a well known store in London called Liberty and that's when everything took off. 12 years later Francesca's lovely father in law built me a studio at the end of the garden and she bought a kiln and making again.

Kate Froese creates functional ceramics that focus on comfort, quality, and finish out of her home studio in Manitoba. Kate has a passion for nature and the outdoors, especially Rural and Northern Canada. That love shows up in Kate's clay work. Kate enjoys living a relaxed and creative life.

Chris Long is a full time studio potter living and working in central Austin, Texas. When not on tour with his band "Hikes", Chris can be found making pots in the studio he built in 2017. The aim of Chris' work is to make comfortable pots that are visually engaging.

Joseph Lyons discovered his love for clay as a child in Seattle, Washington. Jos emigrated to Canada in 2016 to attend Vancouver Island University. Joe received multiple awards and scholarships for his commitment to community engagement and service while enrolled. Joe received a Visual Arts degree from VIU and worked as studio assistant in the Ceramics classroom. He graduated in Spring 2020. Joe has sold his art at multiple shops and galleries in the BC area. Joe volunteers at local schools, working with youth, leading pottery workshops. He is an active member of the Tozan Woodfire Society. Joe is a ceramic instructor at The Hub in Cowichan Station working with Cathi Jefferson and Nanaimo Ceramic Arts for Bronwyn Arundel.

Tasha Renee' is a Potter from Sacramento, CA who loves to experiment with form, function, and surface decoration as a way to express their creativity through ceramics. Tasha loves carving, underglaze, and leaving raw-unglazed surfaces to highlight the beauty of different clay bodies. Tasha is finding a groove in sharing their art with the world. Tasha has a pure and honest love for the craft and is eager to find time to learn more.

Kat & Harry Dellamater creates whimsical, highly detailed, free form ceramic tile along with their own steel frames in their studio/fabrication shop in the mountains above Boise, Idaho. Kat & Harry met and married on their property over 30 years ago and have been professional artists for the last 10 years.

Celia Feldberg graduated with a BFA in ceramics from MassArt in 2019. Celia is currently focusing on wheel thrown and sgraffitoed red clay pottery. Celia draws animals to tell stories about our everyday lives and emotions.

Kristen Van Patten is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Austin, TX. After receiving his MFA in Painting and Sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2007, he relocated to Austin in 2010. Kristen work is influenced largely by his interest in Architecture, specifically Modernist and Brutalist architecture from the 1950's to the mid 1970's.

Taylor Sijan is an artist and craftswoman from Catawba Island, Ohio. Taylor is known for her richly decorated, functional pottery that has been exhibited widely throughout the US. Taylor earned a BFA from Bowling Green State University in 2016 and an MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2021.

Arthur Halvorsen work uses bright colors, textures and patterns on earthenware, gathering inspiration from pop art, coloring books and tattoos. Arthur is a Mudflat studio artist, he teaches classes and workshops at Mudflat but also teaches at Lesley University in Cambridge MA and and other venues nationally as a visiting artist. Arthur's work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Studio Potter, ArtScope Magazine, and on WCVB Channel 5; Chronicle. Arthur has been recognized as a 2019 Brother Thomas Fellow recipient for his work in the field of ceramics within the Boston area.

Adam Field and William Duvall, both alumni of The Potters Cast, are back to the show to talk about their last three months of working together in Adam's studio. William was looking to grow his skill level and Adam was looking for help in the studio... it was a match made in heaven! Listen in to the conversation to hear what their experience was like.

The works of Nichibei potters blends the elegant tradition of Japanese folk art with a contemporary flair resulting in an innovative collection of handmade pottery that is unmistakably Nichibei. Mikio Matsumoto worked as a commodities broker in Japan, but always had a keen interest in the arts. He became a potter after moving to California in 1985. Cheryl Costantini has had a life-long interest in pottery, culture and traditional artistic values. In 1978 she traveled to Japan to study pottery. Cheryl and Mikio formed Nichibei in 1985. Since then, the husband and wife team have shown their work at exhibitions in California, New York and Japan. Literally translated, Nichibei means "Japan and America."

Teena Martin started taking pottery classes at a local community arts centre, and this quickly became one of her many forms of expression. Teena considers herself a "self taught" artist because she is not formally trained in ceramics, photography or painting, though she has had many wonderful teachers along the way. When Teena began working with clay her main goal at the start was to throw the biggest bowl possible. That is the wonder of clay, once she threw her 1,000 bowls, extruded dozens of casseroles, made literally 100's of slab plates (with very rude words!) Teena had enough of 'production work' so she went a completely different direction and found her joy! For the last few years Teena has been exploring many different styles and forms but what has remained consistent is her focus on the whimsical. Teena's love of the ocean plays a large part in her inspiration and her recent projects reflect that passion.

Frank Eagar, both an alumni of The Potters Cast and a high school teacher, has an interesting approach to creating curriculum for his students. For his pottery students he has them listen to an episode of The Potters Cast or watch a Youtube video of a potter. Next he has each of the students record a question for the artist that is in focus. And finally the artist will watch the recorded questions from the students and respond to each student individually. It is a brilliant idea! This is an episode where the artist being question was the host of The Potters Cast, me, Paul Blais!

I can't believe that The Potters Cast has been around for 7 years! Throughout the history of the show there have been so many episodes that have stood out to me. So for these past two weeks I have been bringing back through the archives and pulling out a few of my favorite episode. Bill's episode has been one of those episodes that I have carried with me.

I have been loving being able to bring to you some of my favorite episodes from the past 7 years and Osa's episode from way back before the 2 year mark has always stuck with me. I have talked about her multiple times.