The Potters Cast

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.

Today, April 29th is the birthday of The Potters Cast! Seven years ago we launched the show to the world. In celebration I am going back into the archives and pulling out some of my personal favorites. Clary is definitely one of my all time favorites.

In celebration of The Potters Cast turning 7 years old this week, I am pulling out of the archives some of my favorite episodes. This conversation with Sebastian took place back in 2018 and was a face-to-face meeting at NCECA. I was already a big fan of Sebastian, but I fell all the more in love with him through this conversation.

Tom Buczak is back, but this time he came to The Potters Cast to talk about what it is like to make ceramics with his son, EZ. In this show notes page you will see the work of both Tom and EZ.

Anastassia Zamaraeva is a ceramic artist based in Manchester, UK. Anastassia's work is mainly figurative and centered around story telling and an exploration of our inner worlds. Some pieces are melancholy, some are silly, and others are creepy.

Andrea Burns, owner of Pots by Andrea, is a potter and educator living and working in Allendale, Michigan. Andrea's not-so-greenthumb tendencies inspires her to create vessels adorned in everlasting ceramic florals.

Stephen Biggerstaff has been making ceramics seriously for twelve years in Asheville,NC. Stephen has taken multiple ceramics workshops with many artists at craft schools in his region. Stephen rented space at and performed as a studio assistant at Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. Stephen was mentored by Lana Wilson and assisted her at Penland and Arrowmont, predominantly. Stephen had a career as a landscape contractor in Charleston County area in SC before moving to NC.

Ryan Reich was on The Potters Cast back in 2018. A few weeks ago on February 12th, Ryan's family home burst into flames. Gratefully, everyone got out safely, but they lost everything. Today we talk to Ryan to hear his story. Amazingly, Ryan has an amazing attitude.

Liz Mazurek studied art and ceramics at Southwestern University where she received a BFA and realized she wanted to pursue clay as her lifelong career. Since graduating, Liz took on a year long post-baccalaureate position at Colorado State University that offered a great opportunity to learn about how she was going to proceed in her clay career. Once her time at CSU came to a close, Liz found a local pottery studio called Smokestack Pottery in Fort Collins, Colorado in which she decided to become a full time resident artist. Liz currently teaches classes, fire kilns, and work as an independent artist.

Alexandria Medenciy is a potter and high school ceramics teacher located in the Quad Cities. Alexandria is a firm believer in being a teaching artist, and works to inspire and engage her students using clay. Alexandria's work (Gemini Pottery) focuses on the juxtaposition of black and white sgraffito with loose and expressive color behind it.

Born in Manitoba, Terry Hildebrand graduated with an MFA from the UofMinnesota in 2014. Terry received a BFA from UofManitoba in 2007. Between Universities Terry was the ceramics technician at UManitoba. After school Terry taught at Medicine Hat College and participated in residencies at Medalta and the Banff Center until they moved back home in 2018. Terry and his partner are full time artists based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Camille Beckles is the creative person behind Camille at the Wheel. Camille at the Wheel is a collection of handmade ceramics with a bent towards beautiful utility. Camille loves cups that fit nicely in your hand, bowls that hold just the right amount of popcorn, and mugs that are perfectly sized for morning coffee. Camille's hope is that her work brings you joy and usefulness, in equal measure.

Using earthenware clay, Sasha Barrett makes functional and decorative pots. The surfaces of Sasha's forms are painted using heavy, colorful brushstrokes to create a feeling of movement and mood. Sasha throws his pots on a slow turning kick-wheel. Sasha finds inspiration from his home country of Ukraine.

Lacy Corlis is a potter living in Hood River, Oregon. Lacy's father introduced her to this craft as a young girl. She loves creating functional pottery using detailed sgraffito and brightly colored glaze combinations. Lacy finds inspiration in nature and emotions.

With a career as a graphic designer and marketer, Crysten Puszczykowski's real passion is pottery, spanning back to when she received her first pieces as gifts. Crysten took her first class in high school but didn't really get into it until years later when her daughter was 9 and Cryesten wanted something they could do together. That was 2013 and now Crysten has her own wee studio in her garage and is creating whenever she can. Crysten's career and homes have changed, but her obsession over clay remains. Crysten believes pottery should be for everyone and used everyday.

Since returning to ceramics after a long absence, it has been a journey of rediscovery for Steve Booton. Rediscovering lost skills. Rediscovering lost enthusiasm, and rediscovering an aesthetic approach to working with clay that feels natural and unforced. Steve's latest work, with a strong Japanese influence, is where he feels most comfortable. Steve continues to explore wood firing with simple shino glazes on uncomplicated direct forms allowing the nature of the clay to develop honest pots with what he likes to call beautiful imperfections.

Michelle Gardella pictures and pottery both leave her covered in mud. Whether she's wading in rivers with her camera, or spinning bowls at her wheel, Michelle's art is rooted in an unwavering reverence for the human connection with earth and water, and one another.

Jo Brimble through Brimble Studios wants to bring a smile to your face with unique, illustrated, functional, ceramics that have characters who take on a life of their own. From merpeople soap dishes to a strong man butter dish, these designs hopefully make you chuckle because everyday objects deserve a bit more personality.

Zoey B Scheler (b.1989) is a ceramic artist working and living in Canon City, Colorado. Zoey makes one of a kind, small scale abstract ceramic sculptures and functional vessels. Zoey works with white stoneware, porcelain, colored porcelain and non-ceramic materials. Zoey attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where she received her BFA with an emphasis in ceramics. Following her studies in Brooklyn she attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, obtaining her MSED in K-12 Art Education. In 2017, Zoey received her MFA from Purchase College SUNY where she was an Adjunct Art and Design Graduate Professor. Zoey was the Rittenberg resident artist at Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York from 2017-2019. Zoey continues her studio practice in her home studio in Colorado as well as teaches ceramics to all ages of makers.

Raphaela Seck is a potter living in the south west of Devon in the UK. Raphaela first started pottery at an evening class and has been hooked ever since. After completing 2 apprenticeships Raphaela went on to manage a community studio and teach weekly classes. Raphaela now makes pottery full time from her home studio. Raphaela's work is calm, elegant, and tactile.

Dwayne Nii-Teiko Sackey's work leaves a trace of a fluid, organic process and a human set of hands. Windswept trees, cold blue bodies of water, and lichen covered granite boulders intrigue and informs Dwayne's artistic palette. Gentle curves, textured surfaces, and meandering lines speak through Dwayne's art. Atmosphere, expressive brush strokes, and simple glazes mimic the timelessness of nature.

Nala Turner is a Brooklyn-based ceramics artist and creative art therapist, working primarily with themes related to race-issues, cultural identity, femininity, social stereotype, and popular culture perspectives. Nala has shown her work in various gallery, workshop, and press settings. Through clay-work, Nala aims to inspire her audience to recognize such culturally restricting barriers and transubstantiate the cultural representation of Black people.

Mairi Stone's work is all about trying to express her love and reverence for the beauty of the earth. The oceans are a major inspiration but the whole of nature's forms, textures, and colours influences her. Mairi uses porcelain paperclay and often fuse glass into the pieces.

Paul Briggs grew up in the Hudson Valley of Newburgh, NY. Paul's first ceramics class was in high school. Paul's creative process is pinching, and slab-built vessels,\ and his work is informed by art making as a spiritual practice. Paul is an Artist-Teacher at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design