The Potters Cast

Michelle Miolla is a potter living in the mountains of North Carolina in a town called Vilas, right outside of Boone. Michelle has her BFA in clay from Appalachian State University. Michelle primarily handbuilds, but also loves to throw on the wheel. Michelle also bartends at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boone's first brewery!

Rosemarie Durr is a Kilkenny based Irish potter who hand throws a range of contemporary stoneware tableware which is designed for everyday use. Rosemarie has a background in design and her distinctive powder blue and buttermilk white glazes are uplifting and fit into every home and lifestyle. The pots are thrown finely and are light to the touch. Rosemarie shares her studio and shop with ceramic artist husband Andrew Ludick.

Zeynep Testoni's work is inspired by the ocean and natural surrounds of her home in the seaside village of Gerroa, two hours south of Sydney in NSW, Australia. Zeynep has chosen ceramics as her 'encore career' after teaching English in secondary schools for almost 30 years. Zeynep's home studio is becoming a thriving local hub for pottery enthusiasts.

David Kenton Kring was born and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky where he grew up in a small family-run men's workwear store. This blue collar atmosphere helped to influence not only David's passion of working with his hands but also his surfaces. David received his BA from Transylvania University focusing in ceramics and mixed media. David then began working for the ceramic distributor Kentucky Mudworks, where he honed his skills as a figurative sculptor and potter. Since then David has exhibited nationally, lectured and demoed at major universities, and has begun curating gallery shows and craft markets. David is currently living in Lexington, Kentucky where he keeps a home studio as a full time working artist.

Daniel Tomcik is a wood fire potter and pizza maker from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dan received his BFA from California University of Pennsylvania. He worked as an apprentice at the Baltimore Clayworks Noborigama, and as summer staff at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. Daniel is currently the Studio and Grounds Manager at Touchstone Center for Crafts, where he is working to cultivate a community of wood-firing enthusiasts.

Shawna Pincus is a ceramic artist living in Baltimore Maryland with her husband Michael, daughter Amelia, and their cat Bowie. Shawna grew up right outside of Philadelphia and attended school at the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned a BFA in sculptural studies then continued on to Towson University earning her certification in Art Education. Shawna has taught as an art teacher in the public school system, as an adjunct Professor of Art Education for Towson University, instructs adult pottery classes at the Baltimore Clayworks and has led various workshops with adults, children and art teachers. Shawna spends most of her time working in her basement studio creating hand built functional pottery and perfecting her unique style of screen-printing on clay.

Mike Regan is a California native, born in San Diego and raised in the South Bay area. Mike currently works in the movie FX industry creating strange and fantastic creatures, as well as horrifying deaths at the hands of theses creatures. So, why is Mike on the Potter's Cast? Because a year and a half ago, Mike decided to apply his knowledge of sculpture and mold making to ceramics and take up another hobby... Not like he doesn't have too many already!

Lean Van der Merwe has been obsessed with pottery his whole life, and instantly fell in love with wheel throwing after his first class. Lean is ecstatic to share his creations. Each piece is thoughtfully made and glazed individually, and every single one is absolutely unique.

Toni Losey ceramicist from Dartmouth, NS, received her BFA from NSCAD, 2018. While there, Toni's 15 years as a studio potter helped develop a body of sculptural work. Toni has shown at SOFA Chicago, NCECA, and many private and public galleries. Tony was published in Ceramics Monthly and teaches at NSCAD.

Lucy Fagella has a BFA from Alfred University College of Art and Design (1985). Lucy is a full time potter and ceramics instructor. Lucy's work has been included in national juried exhibitions, ceramics publications, and home magazines. Lucy is a founding member of the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail since it's inception in 2004.

After spending two years as a structural engineering student at Cal Poly State University, Kenny Sing transferred to the Arts department where he focused advertising design and teaching ceramics on the side. Since graduating graphic design remains Kenny's primary occupation in San Francisco, where he is also extremely dedicated to his art of ceramics at Clay By the Bay SF Pottery School.

Christopher St John has been active as a professional artist for 18 years now. Most of Christopher's career has been focused on painting, but in the past year Christopher has switched over to ceramics.

Myrrto Zirini studied interior design and architecture in London where she also worked for 3 years as a consultant at Space Syntax Ltd. In 2004 Myrto returned to her home city, Athens Greece, and worked within architecture and design in multiple areas – urban/public spaces, architecture and interior design (as a partner at aka lab architects) down to the smaller scales of exhibitions, furniture and graphic design. Myrto has also taught at the MA interior design course at Vakalo Art & Design College in Athens. She moved to the island of Corfu in 2012. Myrto went on a six month period learning ceramics with a local potter in Corfu in 2014 and continued learning on her own by experimenting with clay. In 2015 Myrto started her own small studio and production. In 2017 Myrto created a combined studio and showroom in the old town of Corfu, focusing on one of a kind sculptural, organic forms.

Lilly Mandarano is the designer-maker behind The Super Sparrow ceramics. Lilly hand builds ceramic tableware in her studio in Deptford, SE London. Lilly studied Fine Art and then moved into ceramics by change following that. The pieces are designed to reflect a natural, minimal, and relaxed aesthetic.

Michael Hall is from Kansas City, Missouri. He escaped to Tempe, Arizona–earned his BFA from Arizona State University in 2012, worked as a Secondary Ceramics Teacher, and left to work with Steven Hill at 323Clay in Independence, Missouri. Currently, Michael is a MFA candidate at Bowling Green State University.

Hayley Knouff is a self taught potter and owner of Desert Sun Ceramics, a small community clay studio in Moab, UT. Hayley's passion for ceramics and her desire to support art in her rural community are what drive her to create a thriving studio space where all skill levels are welcome.

LeeAnn Dodde make pots at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. LeeAnn's greenware is packed up and shipped out on a mule. LeeAnn is transitioning to full time pottery during the summer of 2019.

Troy Drake is a potter who was born with Down syndrome. Each piece of pottery is handmade by Troy, sometimes with the help of his mom, Suzanne. 100% of the proceeds from his pottery are donated to non profit organizations at the end of the year.

Elizabeth Schaefer Endener started working with clay in high school but did not pursue it as a career. Instead Elizabeth got her degree in Biology and worked at a variety of places trying to find the right fit. Elizabeth got involved with the organic and sustainable food movement, working for and managing some start-up companies including local food cooperatives and a small organic farm. Elizabeth's entrepreneurial spirit grew and decided that what she wanted more than anything was to combine her two passions, both of which involved transforming the earth. So, in 2015 Elizabeth set upon starting a business creating and designing a beautiful line of pottery, as well as growing a little cut flower garden and raising butterflies.

Krista Coons is the ceramic artist known as Her Name Is Mud. Krista graduated from Brigham Young University with her BFA in ceramics. Krista lives in the Arizona desert with her husband and three children, working out of her home studio with blush tiled floors.

Laurie Carretta Scupp lives and works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Laurie ceramics are hand built using slabs and pinch pots. Laurie works with red earthenware clay and is inspired by nature, which Laurie uses to form illustrated narratives on her work.

Thomas Skupniewitz has been working in clay for the past 10 years. Thomas was a wallpaper hanger for 43 years and he is self taught in many other mediums. Thomas never had the grades or money in his youth to attend higher education but he did not let it stop him. Thomas wishes to convey to The Potters Cast listeners that we have to play the cards we were dealt and simply practice, practice, practice.

Karishma Rodriques was born and raised in Mumbai, India. Life handed Karishma clay in 2012 after what she can only call a a missed call in 2011. Karishma has been working, teaching ,experimenting, fighting, and falling in love with clay ever since and continues to do so. Karishma finds inspiration from characters in sitcoms, movies, and books as apposed to nature. Karishma considers clay to be a person with his moods and is her shrink when in need.

Jill Leary is a practicing artist and NYS certified art teacher. Jill has a BFA in Fine Arts, concentration in Ceramics and a BA in Art Education from Syracuse University as well as a MS in Fine Arts. Jill worked for Brewster Central Schools for 11 years as an Art Teacher until she had her two daughters. Jill now owns and runs Railyard Arts Studio.

Brielle Rovito is a ceramicist and designer living and working in Burlington, Vermont. Brielle makes clean, sculptural forms that reference humanness, movement, and the body. Brielle work is best identified by oblong shapes and bulbous moments that hover between the functional/non-functional line.

Calou Calay is the collaborative work of engaged couple Lisa Tantillo and Zack Callaghan. After 5 years on the art circuit they have developed a series of thrown and altered work inspired by a monster lore ranging from the of Boo Hag of the Carolinas to the Yokai Oni of Japan. The artists capture these creatures in clay as a means of exploring the human psyche and honoring the traditions of storytelling.

Sean Scott is a ceramic artist who specializes in hand built functional pottery. Scott, originally from Dayton, Ohio, earned his BFA from Ohio University and his MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He currently lives in rural Battle Lake, Minnesota where he operates Pomme de Terre Pottery.

Marco Minetti is an apprentice potter to Kwak Kyungtae in Icheon, Korea, founder of Ceramic Masterclass intensive workshops.

Linda Engstrom has been an environmental activist since 12 yrs old. Linda went to College Art Studies and focused on illustration, prints, and photography. Linda is a freelance photographer and lived in Spain when she was 24-32 yrs old. Linda moved back to Sweden 2011. Linda has dealt with depression and PTSD. Ceramics gives peace of mind to Linda.

Tim Kowalczyk, Curt Hammerly, and Sean Roberts have all been on the show in the past with their own episodes. Today they have all teamed up to discuss the various approaches to selling pottery through galleries, online, or events. With their backgrounds and approaches, Tim, Curt, and Sean have their own track records that they draw from for this conversation.

Forrest Middelton is back on The Potters Cast! You may remember Forrest as the source of the amazing tool, The Studio Sander. You may also remember Forrest as an amazing artist that creates functional wares and his amazing tiles. Forrest has now written a book on tile making. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide, Forrest's book has it, but it is much more. It also dives into the history of tiles, design, and installation.

Roxanna Dourthe is a Caribbean born artist who has settled in Sabiñan, Spain. Not content with any one medium, Roxanna is involved in printmaking, experimenting pottery, tile making, and ceramic murals. Roxanna is a never-ending student.

Leigh Anne Thompson and her fiancé, Steven, are full-time potters traveling around the US selling their work at renaissance festivals as well as online. They have multiple studios and spend a good part of the year living on the road, making pots, and homeschooling their son Ocean. They put just as much creativity into growing their business as they do their pots, always trying new ideas to keep it fresh. They have a line of gourmet coffee all with ceramic inspired names and sell specialty underglaze transfers for other potters to use in their work. They take pride in "Living the dream" and are supporters of other makers finding their way to "artpreneurship" as well.

Nancy Gardner received a BFA in Ceramics from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia 1980 and MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1984. After that Nancy taught for 3 years in Dayton Ohio. When Nancy and her future husband decided to get married, she moved to Chicago where they started Nancy Gardner Ceramics, a line of highly decorative, somewhat functional ceramics. They raised 2 boys, rehabbed some buildings and sent a lot of pots out into the world. They lived happily ever after and remain there to this very day.

Sam Lopez is a potter living and working in San Diego, California. Sam teaches ceramics as an adjunct instructor at Riverside City College and makes pots in his home studio.

Avi Farber is a wood-fire ceramic artist and documentary photographer based in Taos, New Mexico, U.S.A. Avi studied philosophy at Bates College, ME, Digital Media Production at the Maine Media Workshops, and Spanish at the Universidad de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina. Working in clay, Avi creates installations, sculptures, and functional wares that explore natural processes. Avi's work is raw and refined, subtle and gestural. Drawn to the moments that break through the distractions of daily life, Avi documents the unbridled power of wildfires. A firsthand witness to climate change, Avi makes photographs and ceramics works that offer a bridge to the natural landscapes, a connection that has been lost by many as we distance ourselves from the ecosystems we rely on. Avi's photos and video reveal a strong sense of place as seen from a quite observer. Avi's ceramic work has been exhibited internationally, and his documentary photography of wildfires has been recognized by National Geographic magazine.

Clay has been in Lisa Neimeth's life since studying ceramics in college. Lisa is constantly taking note of colors in nature, food, magazines, newspapers, fashion, street art, and graffiti and she loves seeing colors put together unexpectedly. Lisa's plates can inspire and tell a story so they are evocative in the traditional "art" sense—but are completely functional. Lisa also loves the notion of high-end craft and taking time to carefully make everyday items. It is the way things used to be made—by hand and with great care and craft. That care of Lisa's encourages an appreciation of the everyday.

Romaine Begay (Ro) has been a full-time Potter for going on twenty plus years, where he incorporates the traditional Navajo rug weaving designs, traditional stories within his family as well as his experiences as a Native American in today's age into the ceramic pieces that he creates.

As an artist, potter and designer Lindsay Scypta is deeply interested in textile pattern, Victorian etiquette, architectural tracery, and the history of the table. Lindsay began her ceramics investigation in high school and continued into college, completing a BFA in Art & Design from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. For two remarkable summers Lindsay immersed herself in the artist community at Anderson Ranch Art Center as a summer intern, filling her ceramic toolbox with techniques and tools. Finally after two years as an artist-in-residence at Ashland University, Lindsay arrived at The Ohio State University where she completed her MFA in ceramic art. Lindsay was blessed with the opportunity to follow her thesis research to England, where she visited the Wedgwood Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Brighton Palace. Some influences over the past years have been the softness of tufted Victorian sitting room chairs, and the architectural motifs and quatrefoils of European Gothic cathedrals. Following graduate school Lindsay spent one year as an Artist-in-Resident at Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York. Currently Lindsay is an adjunct ceramics professor at Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio. Working strictly with porcelain clay, the work is thrown, trimmed, altered and decorated, then fired to cone six in an electric oxidation atmosphere. Lindsay ism still continuing to push her ideas and am excited to incorporate new research into her studio practice!

Shelsea is a ceramic sculptor from Binghamton, NY. She received her BFA in Ceramics from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2013, and she was a post baccalaureate student at the University of Alaska Anchorage from 2016 to 2018. Shelsea's work primarily investigates feminist and queer issues, as well as human/animal relationships and the parallels she perceives between the two. She is currently a long term resident artist at Studio 740 in Helena, MT.

Billy Ritter 77 is a ceramic artist from Cleveland, Ohio. A graduate of Kent State University (MFA), and Slippery Rock University (BFA). For the past five years he has taught and inspired many as a professor of art and ceramics at Cuyahoga Community College. At his Cleveland studio he offers one-on-one tutoring and workshops. Billy exhibits and sells his work at his studio as well as at many artisan markets throughout Northern Ohio. Atmospheric firing, community, and story telling through process, are the focus of his work. His limited editions of functional tablewares and vessels are utilized by chefs, home cooks, photo studios, and collectors both nationally and internationally.

Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, Anna Whitehouse's work has evolved from growing up in the region and spending time outdoors. From scrambling over rocks in the Yorkshire Dales to scouring the beach for fossils near Whitby, a love of landscape, natural forms and exploration can be seen echoed in Anna's work. Ultimately Anna aims to create beautiful and intriguing objects that awaken a childlike sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world.

Joe Robinson is the co-owner and steward of the historic East Creek Anagama wood fired kiln. Nestled on 20 acres in Oregon's coastal mountains, East Creek is a community art studio and retreat. Joe will share news about the upcoming NW Wood Firing Conference in June 2020, which is being organized by the East Creek team.

Julia Kofman is a full time ceramic artist. Julia works in her home studio in Ramat Gan in Israel. Julia was born in Moscow, and in 2018 she moved to Israel with her husband and children. Julia is selling her works twice a week in Nachlat Binyamin Artists Fair of Tel Aviv, which is a famous street market of handmade, supported by municipality of Tel Aviv.

Lukas Easton is from Homer Alaska. Lukas recieved his BFA from the university of Alaska anchorage. Lukas is currently teaching at the Rochester institute of technology and is an independent designer for Jenggala in Bali Indonesia. In the summers Lukas works in Alaska commercial fishing and this fall will be attending Alfred university for graduate school.

Focusing on fragility and subtle strength, Rhonda Willers creates art with repetitive forms and markings reflecting on memories and nature through diverse materiality. Rhonda is the author of Terra Sigillata: Contemporary Techniques. Rhonda studied at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (BFA) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MFA). Rhonda is a studio artist, author, mother, and NCECA Board Steward located in Elk Mound, Wisconsin.

Originally from Hamburg, Germany, stencil artist Anja Bartels discovered pottery making while living in an intentional community in Virginia. Passion ignited, Anja returned home to study in the German Ceramics Guild, which honed her skills in a way much different from the typical experience in American art schools. With a strong focus on craftsmanship and technical skill, Guild training provided Anja with the groundwork for making a quality product paired with the practical experience of working with a master potter for three years. The apprentices must engage in all aspects of the business, including marketing, sales, accounting, and production. Anja's nautically themed porcelain employs several different techniques including slip trailing, sgraffito (a technique where underglaze is painted onto greenware and a design is carved back through, revealing the clay body underneath), poured and sprayed glazes, and a unique resist technique used in the making of her beautiful urchin bowls. These bowls are thrown and trimmed on the wheel, then several thousand small slip-trailed spikes are applied using a surgical bulb while she listens to audiobooks about shipwrecks. Anja's personal aesthetic and process are consistent and highly developed, reflecting her upbringing in a port town and her love of ships and the ocean. It is as if her pieces were born in the sea.

Sharrel Paul was born and raised in a suburb of Boston, MA, but moved to California in her mid-20s. Sharrel decided to move back home in 2013 when she was diagnosed with stage 3/4 metastatic melanoma. Sharrel discovered ceramics in 2014 when she decided to take a class at a local studio as a form of "art therapy" while she was undergoing treatment. Sharrel fell in love with making functional pieces very quickly and then started her journey on Instagram to be able to sell her work and crocheted items.

Benedicte and Jerome Leclere recently left Brooklyn to find a better life balance and spend more time making ceramics. Relocating upstate New York near Woodstock, they just launched their brand called l'Impatience. Both originally from France and always on the look out for new objects to create, the name refers to the eagerness and expectation behind every project (pronounced 'Lum-puh-see-unce''). Their style is mainly defined by their tableware collections, elegant and minimalistic, that people can simply appreciate every day. They also enjoy making unique pieces such as vases and bonsai pots, a jewelry collection or even limited clothing items.

We get a real treat in this interview! We head into the classroom of Jerm Wright and spend time with the teacher, and two of his students, Jack Butler and Gage Clisby. This is a great insight into the high school classroom and what the ceramic program is like. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed it.