The Potters Cast

Welcome to America's largest clay focused art show. It happens every year in Portland Oregon. And thousands of people show up to check it out and buy pots. I got to be there as an "Artist's Assistant" to Jennifer Blais and Jessica Joner in booth 60. And it was awesome! I also got to walk around and talk to other participants of the show. Amazing people like emerging artists, first year participants, international artists, the chair of the organization, and more. This was my trip to Ceramic Showcase... Oh, and did I say that the event is put on by the Oregon Potters Association? https://ThePottersCast.com/1127

Jenny Cartee is a potter living in the mountains of western North Carolina. Jenny makes mugs and other functional pots that she sells at our local farmers market and coffee shops. Jenny's husband, Heath is a fly fishing guide and owns a guide service, Pisgah Outdoors. Jenny and Heath have two daughters, Annie and Molly. As a family they love the freedom that having their own businesses gives them to spend time with each other and their girls. Aside from pottery Jenny's life passions are cooking, baking bread, hiking ,and identifying wildflowers. https://ThePottersCast.com/1126

Ana Shioshita is a potter working in Vancouver Canada. Ana was lucky enough to grow up in Boulder Colorado around a lot of clay from a young age. Ana has spent the last decade designing for film, and has only recently started focusing on pottery full time. Ana is interested in creating work that conveys a sense of movement with the static medium of clay. https://ThePottersCast.com/1125

Marlaina Mathisen is a proficient wheel throwing artist who loves to share her understanding of the wheel to others. Marlaina's personal work focuses primarily on wheel thrown and altered forms ranging from functional works of art to organic sculptural centerpieces. Currently Marlaina teaches a variety of classes at The Digs in Chicago, Fine Line Creative Arts Center in and supplying and managing a pottery gallery in Door County Wisconsin called Ephraim Clayworks. Marlaina's 5 year plan is to continue diligently working towards establishing her own pottery studio. https://ThePottersCast.com/1124

Brighton, U.K. based ceramicist, Nicola Gillis makes functional tableware. Nicola takes inspiration from the East Asian use of tableware, a specific purpose for each vessel and where pleasure is drawn from individuality. Although there are commonalities, she does not seek to replicate exact size or marks and embraces imperfection. Shadows and light on daily walks throughout the seasons and the beauty found in degraded surfaces and patina also inform her work. Nicola has developed her interest in ceramics over the past 8 years, studying on the full-time Ceramic Development course at Forest Row School of Ceramics in 2019, and beginning to sell her work in during 2020. Initially using the wheel, Nicola developed her practice to include hand-building with slabs, carving, and coils, all of which she finds to be a slower, more thoughtful approach to making. https://ThePottersCast.com/1123

Multi disciplinary artist Niharika Hukku is based in Sydney. Niharika received her Bachelor of Fine Art in painting from the Delhi College of Art, India, and has undertaken studies in ceramics and sculpture in Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. Niharika's work has been featured in over 30 solo and group for exhibitions in California, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Wellington since 2009 such as, Arcadia Contemporary, USA(2019), Sculpture by the Sea, Sydney (2016, 2024), and the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. Her work has been a finalist in the , Mosman Art Prize, Sydney (2017), 29th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award (2014) and the Harden Art prize(2024), featured in the book 'Earth and Fire' and also illustrated a children's book 'This bird has arms' which an honour book of the year. Her work has been acquired by Gold Coast City Gallery, and private collections in Australia and overseas. https://ThePottersCast.com/1122

Aaron Raymond is a Canadian potter that started his pottery journey in March of 2024. He has learned everything so far from the school of YouTube and by watching videos on Instagram. Aaron's work focuses on creating tiled designs on his work using both original designs or recreating tiled flooring from around the world. Aaron's interest in handmade pottery began while living in Lisbon, Portugal, for 2 years from 2018 to 2020, and it was the intricate stone designs in the plazas and sidewalks of Lisbon that first transpired the idea of putting these designs onto clay. https://ThePottersCast.com/1121

Will Donovan is the founder of Donovan Pottery, where storytelling and craft collide to create fantasy-inspired ceramics. Passionate about blending history, literature, and art, Will explores how pottery can bring stories to life. Will also runs Mathom House, a brand championing craft, community, and creative storytelling. https://ThePottersCast.com/1120

NCECA was in full swing and I wasn't there. So sad! So i did the next best thing... I attended through Instagram! Then I had the thought, What if I invited people that were posting at NCECA to call me for a short interview? So I tried it and it worked. These brave souls responded to my request and I got to talk to them while they were at NCECA. https://ThePottersCast.com/1119

Michael Cole, largely self-taught, has refined advanced techniques through workshops with esteemed artists like Noel Bailey, Steven Hill, Jon Townley, Deb Lecce, Sarah Wells Rolland, Simon Leach, and Jenifer McCurdy. Michael was a member of the 2024 Steven Hill Journey Workshop at Alison Palmer Studio. Michael makes his living as personal assistant to Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz. https://ThePottersCast.com/1118

Kara Leigh Ford is an English potter and author. In Kara's first visit with The Potters Cast we enjoyed learning about her journey into ceramics. Then she wrote a book, Pottery for Beginners and Kara came back for a second time to talk about her book. Today on Kara's third visit with The Potters Cast we talk about her second book, The Essential Pottery Notebook. https://ThePottersCast.com/1117

Danielle Lane & Lara Irwin's Instagram profile says, Two besties throwing like girls. And that explains their relationship perfectly- Danielle and Lara are best friends who make pottery together in Victoria, BC Canada. It all started when Danielle and Lara decided to buy a potters wheel together. Now they are making ceramics together and they wouldn't have it any other way. https://ThePottersCast.com/1116

Matt Wassenaar makes pottery all year long and sells it for 7 weekends at his booth in the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. After meeting Warren MacKenzie decades ago Matt took to heart his philosophy - make pottery for function and affordability. In 2001 Matt and his wife bought a booth at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and started selling their work. Selling at the festival has turned into sales of 2,100 pots in 7 weekends. https://ThePottersCast.com/1115

GiAnna Orangio is a hobby potter based in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Her brand, Evil Eye Pottery is a collection of vases that she creates on the pottery wheel in her home studio. GiAnna shares her ceramic journey and creations on social media (links below). https://ThePottersCast.com/1114

Anita & Neil Lawrence met in art school back in the late 80's and have been carving out a living together ever since. When Anita and Neil first graduated from art school they did various jobs on Vancouver Island in British Colombia to make ends meet. Eventually they bought a production studio, opened a restaurant, and lately a gallery studio. https://ThePottersCast.com/1113

Sarah Gromek is a high school jewelry & metalworking teacher. Sarah started ceramics eight years ago and now has her own small business. Sarah's studio is in her dining room and she sells her work online and through galleries. https://ThePottersCast.com/1112

Heather Elyse Head, a Northeast Georgia potter, blends traditional folk pottery with vibrant glazes and whimsical female faces. Mentored by esteemed regional potters, Heather's playful creations bring a modern twist to the craft. Her favorite part? Seeing her work makes people smile. https://ThePottersCast.com/1111

Eric Rempe first touched clay when he was in high school in Lancaster, PA. Eric has a BFA in ceramics from Penn State University and an MFA in ceramics from San Diego State University. Eric now lives in Princeton, NJ and he teaches ceramics at Princeton Day School. https://ThePottersCast.com/1110

NCECA is around the corner. NCECA is the largest art conference around and the event takes a massive amount of effort to make it happen. In today's episode we spend time with three amazing artists who helped to make this year's conference happen. Our guests, PJ Anderson, Antra Sinha, and Dara Hartman, have spent the last two years organizing, planning, and now executing in order to make this year's conference take place. https://ThePottersCast.com/1109

Shoji Satake, born in Kyoto, Japan and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, earned a BA in Studio Art and Government from The College of William and Mary (1996) and an MFA from Indiana University (2004). He is an associate professor of ceramics at Rhode Island School of Design. Shoji is also president of the NCECA Board of Directors. His work has been exhibited internationally. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and fly fishing. https://ThePottersCast.com/1108

Emilie Bouvet-Boisclair is a Canadian born artist living in Illinois. Emilie's approach to pottery is formed by a past of learning to throw with a production potter, and being immersed in the community studios of Chicago. Emilie has been a painter in her youth through her mid 20's, holding a BA in Fine Art from the State University of New York, Geneseo. Emilie's passion in the arts lies in the process of discovery. https://ThePottersCast.com/1107

Born in Berlin, Karoline Menge moved to Italy with her partner in 2021. Studied literature and writing, started making pottery in 2015 when she was still at Uni, did small jobs to be able to continue making pottery. Karoline opened her own studio in 2018 and started working full time as a potter. Now Karoline works in her studio in a small village called Bogliasco at the Ligurian coast in Italy. https://ThePottersCast.com/1106

Clare Unger uses hand stitching as a means of mark making on clay slabs to create ceramic vessels for domestic use. In this way Clare pays homage to her female ancestors for whom sewing and stitching was an important means of creative self-expression in their role as home makers. https://ThePottersCast.com/1105

Francine Hampson and John Ried are the owners of Mudpuppy Studios, a production pottery studio producing functional ware. The studio wares are mainly thrown on the potter's wheel with alterations and additions done by hand building. The clay is high fire stoneware fired in a 15cu. ft. gas kiln introducing salt/soda at 2350F. The effects are spectacular but unpredictable. The wares are sold locally on Salt Spring Island through the Waterfront Gallery or Artcraft/ Wintercraft shows. https://ThePottersCast.com/1104

Rita Vali creates joyful pottery that blends modern design with a mid-century vibe, inspired by her love of the intricate details she finds in nature. Rita makes her pottery with others in mind, as she believes people are connected through the use and display of thoughtfully hand-crafted objects. Rita's career as an artist is made full by teaching various classes where she shares my craft. https://ThePottersCast.com/1103

Yesha Panchal was born in Gujarat, India, and is currently living in Suwanee, GA. Yesha earned her BFA with a concentration in ceramics at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Yesha is currently a ceramics studio manager at the Hudgens Center for Art in Duluth, GA, an organizer of the Clay to Table, serves on the board of NCECA, and is a maker. Yesha's article "Working Potter" and work were published in "Thoughts on Collaboration" in the June/July/August 2022 issue of Ceramics Monthly https://ThePottersCast.com/1102

As a sensitive and intuitive person, working with clay is a perfect fit for John Ellefson. Clay slabs are minutely sensitive to the slightest touch, allowing John to create the subtle forms that he loves. It's incredibly satisfying for John to breathe life into clay through touch. https://ThePottersCast.com/1101

Erin Louise Clancy is a ceramic artist based in Queens, New York, with over 25 years of restaurant experience and a BFA in printmaking. Focusing on collaborative custom work, Erin's pieces unite these influences with functional design. http://ThePottersCast.com/1100

Rachael Sewell is a ceramic artist and candle maker based near Bristol, in the South West of England. After graduating in 2020 with a degree in Buying and Merchandising, Rachael combined her business acumen with her creative passions, launching a line of sculptural candles in 2021. Driven by a desire to explore new mediums, Rachael soon discovered her love for pottery during an intensive course, which ignited her current practice in ceramics. Rachael's work is a playful yet thoughtful exploration of artistry and everyday utility. https://ThePottersCast.com/1099

Jennifer Waverek has 30+ years of experience in brand strategy and graphic design, working both in-house and as a principle partner in her own creative agency. Jennifer is worked for fortune 500 companies such as Martha Stewart Living, Clinique, and Donna Karan to local boutiques and art collectives. Jennifer holds a BA in Visual Arts and Art History from Columbia University. Jennifer has shown work in the disciplines of painting, printmaking, graphic design, and handbuilt ceramics. Jennifer is the creative director and brand strategist behind BKLYN CLAY. https://ThePottersCast.com/1098

Until age 40 Andrew Cooke was a car body repair technician until he was forced out of his career due to being diagnosed with arthritis. Andrew then went back to art as therapy and, after a foundation in fine and applied art, Andrew completed his degree in 2013 in University of Ulster in Belfast. https://ThePottersCast.com/1097

Terri Kern received her MFA in 1991. Terri left teaching to open her own studio. Terri has exhibited internationally, been featured in ceramics publications, received awards, artist grants, nominations, started a teaching website, had work on the Great Pottery Throw Down, and is now showing at the Taft Museum of Art. https://ThePottersCast.com/1096

Hannah Simpson Studio, established in 2020, serves as a creative haven for Hannah Simpson, providing an escape from the demands of everyday life. For Hannah, creativity has long been a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to navigate and control her emotions. With her work, Hannah aims to spread joy to others. https://ThePottersCast.com/1095

Shana Salaff is a potter, painter, writer, and teacher who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she teaches at Front Range Community College. Originally from Toronto, Shana has also lived, worked, and studied in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fullerton, California. Shana has participated in residencies in Fort Colllins, Bali, and Maine. https://ThePottersCast.com/1094

Jonathan Walberg's techniques and methods are influenced by his apprenticeship at St. John's Pottery in Minnesota (2004-06) under Richard Bresnahan, studies in Karatsu, Japan (2006-10) and in Ulsan, Korea (2010). These experiences nurtured a love of clay, the use of local materials, clay history, and wood-kilns. Jonathan creates on a Japanese-style wooden kick wheel and processes local clays and ashes for pottery use just south of Bayfield in Washburn, WI. Jonathan uses beach-sand from the South Shores of Lake Superior mixed into porcelain. This creates random black spots from the iron-rich sand. The local clay is also iron-rich and is mixed into the clay or glaze creating rich dark greens, reds, browns and blacks. Jonathan makes traditional ash-glazes from local Maple and Oak trees. https://ThePottersCast.com/1093

Alexandria Mente is the owner of Alexandria Pottery Co. and offers a unique collection of pottery tools for the budding artist or the seasoned potter. From forms to function, Alexandria Pottery Co. knows you will find the tools to make the things you love! Both Alex and her husband are blessed to have their children spend time in studio and helping with tools, which makes Alexandria Pottery Co. a true family business. Alex loves making a wide range of work on the wheel and by slab. You'll find texture and inspirations from nature in Alex's work. Alex's family loves to serve the pottery community and hopes their tools inspire you to make something amazing! https://ThePottersCast.com/1092

Rebecca Graves Prowse, founder of Gravesco Pottery, traded her 20-year corporate retail career for a pottery wheel in 2010. From her Indianapolis studio, she crafts modern, functional ceramics that blend classic design with handmade character. Her background in retail design influences her aesthetic, creating pieces that enhance daily rituals and become cherished heirlooms for collectors nationwide. https://ThePottersCast.com/1091

Benjamin Cornelius is a 23 year old amateur ceramicist based in Louisville, Kentucky. Benjamin started working with clay two years ago and became obsessed with the idea of building fully articulating sculptures. Benjamin's work so far has been very iterative, implementing simple mechanisms to establish fundamentals for his process. https://ThePottersCast.com/1090

David Swenson is ceramist and instructor from Clearwater, MN. In 2009, David moved to Minnesota from Rhode Island, and works in the Twin Cities area teaching workshops and ceramics in community education. David's work is embellished with motifs and techniques inspired by history, folk arts, textiles, and medieval art, while maintaining a modern aesthetic. https://ThePottersCast.com/1089

Auguste Yung is a half-Chinese, half-Swedish ceramicist working out of Los Angeles California. Auguste melds wheel throwing and hand building to create unique textures and forms inspired by nature. Despite a winding path that included studying international relations and then working in TV development, Auguste found his true passion when he stumbled upon ceramics during the pandemic. https://ThePottersCast.com/1088

Michael Corney was raised in the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area where he was influenced by the bright colors of nature and the vibrant cultures that surrounded him. Michael received his BA from Cal State University Fullerton and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. While primarily a studio potter, Michael has taught workshops at Anderson Ranch, Penland School of Crafts and Santa Fe Clay. He has participated in shows at Santa Fe Clay (NM), Northern Clay Center (MN), The Schaller Gallery (MI) and Akar Design Gallery (IA) Michael is currently a working artist in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico! https//ThePottersCast.com/1087

Paula Murray studied science at the University of Ottawa, Canada, ceramics at Sheridan College, and completed two residencies at the Banff Centre before embarking on a successful career. Elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (2006) and the International Academy of Ceramics (2017), she has received several Canada Council and CALQ grants for her distinctive work. Paula's full-time studio practice is inspired by her close relationship with nature and the years spent sailing between Canada and South America while raising her two children. Her ongoing study of spiritual writings inspires many of the themes explored in her work. https://ThePottersCast.com/1086

Tim Kowalczyk is back. Tim has been on The Potters Cast a few times over the years. This time he is back to talk about the importance of social media. http://ThePottersCast.com/1085

Shaylise Sylvester is an artist who lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she was born and raised. Shaylise discovered her passion for ceramics during her undergraduate studies and has been honing her skills for three years now. Shaylise is currently exploring and studying the history of ceramics, looking at historical artifacts, and finding her voice through her work. Shaylise tends to focus on wheel throwing but also enjoys the freedom of form that hand-building allows. Shaylise work is primarily functional at the moment, and she is interested in the development and history of functional pots. She also enjoys the idea of creating a functional pot that is unique and beautiful in shape. Shaylise had taught ceramics in California and now teaches at a local community studio in Fairbanks. Shaylise is currently a ceramics student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is preparing a portfolio for graduate school. https://ThePottesCast.com/1084

From her earliest memory Natalie Miller has loved making art. As a young adult Natalie took a break from art, focussing more on working with horses. In her mid 30's Natalie was hit with an overwhelming drive to create again. Natalie started with pen drawings and painting, before taking her first pottery class at Station Gallery in Whitby. From the very first class she was hooked. It was everything I'd ever hoped it would be. Natalie is very much inspired by Mid Century Modern, Scandinavian design, clean lines, and bold colour palettes. Natalie lives with her partner and their two cats in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. http://ThePottersCast.com/1083

Craig Britton & Brittany Whitaker are ceramic artists currently residing on San Juan Island, WA. Craig and Britt's collaborative work is inspired by nature and often includes hand-painted flora & fauna motifs. However, Craig's current body of work explores texture, materiality, and the creation process. http://ThePottersCast.com/1082

Morgan Peck is a ceramicist living in Los Angeles. Morgan's namesake ceramic company, started in 2011, includes mirrors, lamps, sculptures, and vases all made in her backyard studio. Peck's work continues in the footsteps of the studio potters that preceded her and she makes note of numerous styles, hinting at the Memphis Group, the Bauhaus, and Art Deco. Sometimes reproducing the forms of Venetian glass and the splotchy surfaces of 19th century spongeware, she moves through these references with a modest, considered, and decidedly modern touch. https://ThePottersCast.com/1081

Clark County Open Studios is a juried show that takes place throughout Clark County in Southwest Washington. Each year 50 artist are chosen to participate along with 3 emerging artists. This year my wife, Jennifer and I were accepted into the show along with a number of other ceramic artists. Jennifer and I hosted an "after party" with a few of the other ceramic artists to talk about the event. https://ThePottersCast.com/1080

Today we are talking with Melissa Weiss. She has been on The Potters Cast twice before- Melissa's second appearance was in episode 624 in which we talked about her book she had just released, and her first was in episode 183 where we got to hear her story of setting up a community studio. In today's episode we now hear her story of going through the hurricane, Helene through which she lost her studio. In the picture below you will see a photo from her Instagram feed where you can see the roof of her studio circled in red and the waters completely engulfing the building. https://ThePottersCast.com/1079

Hurricane Helene was devastating for so many people. Many potters were hit very hard with the storm. Mudtools, founded by Michael Sherrill, was hit so hard that their building was swept away as the waters rose. In todays episode, Michael tells his story of the storm. https://ThePottersCast.com/1078