Southern California Potters

NBC Promo For The ACS Clay Fest 2009

2009-11-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

View more news videos at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video.

2009 ACS Clay Festival This Weekend!

2009-11-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Come on out this weekend, Friday night November 14th is the opening reception with free admission at the Arboretum. Saturday and Sunday the admission is $8.00 to enter the Arboretum. Shop an incredible selection of ceramics then wander through the gardens at the Arboretum! What a way to spend a day! I will be there selling my stuff, hope to see you too!

The festivities start Friday night at 6 with appetizers by the artists! Then the show continues all day saturday and sunday.

Muddy's Wood Fire Classic

2009-11-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

Last night my friends and I ventured deep behind the orange curtain to the Muddy's Wood Fire Classic at Muddy's Studio, Orange County's Premier Ceramic Studio. I hadnt been out there and was excited to see it. Kevin Myers started Muddy's and has done an incredible job. Seems like a great space to foster the ceramic arts. The Wood Fire Classic was juried by T Robert and John Pacini. I have never participated in a wood firing but was very inspired by the work on display and look forward to developing a body of work for a possible firing next year. Enjoy the pictures! Will post more in a couple days.

For Those Into Wood Fire, Get To Muddy's This Weekend!

2009-11-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Muddy's is located in Santa Ana California @ 2610 S. Halladay St. 92705. Check out their site www.muddystudio.com. I will be there and will post pictures!

If In The LA Area, The Xiem Sale Is Coming

2009-11-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Meditations On The Apocalyptic

2009-10-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

"Meditations on the Apocalyptic is an exhibition of recent works by five California artists who deal with the potential catastrophic consequence of human folly. As an artist the theme of ultimate destruction via the nuclear has been a long time personal concern for me. As a curator I selected these five artists because their diverse yet collective voices approach the broader theme of ultimate annihilation from many directions, allowing in the curatorial practice a far greater voice than is possible as a single artist. Each artist has contributed new work to this exhibit. While expecting answers is a romantic, utopian notion, we must ask the questions, both of ourselves and the world we live and die in."
Patrick Merrill, director, W. Keith and Janet Kellogg University Art Gallery

Featuring artists: Sierra Pecheur, Christopher Hinton, Mark Bryan, Robynn Smith, Duncan Simcoe

Sierra Pecheur was interviewed here on So Cal Potters last year. I am going to be talking with her about the work for this show and will post more images of it soon!

More From the American Museum of Ceramic Art

2009-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

I went back out to AMOCA to see the Harrison McIntosh exhibit. This time Mr. McIntosh was there and signing copies of his new book Harrison McIntosh, A Timeless Legacy which is available fom AMOCA. That is Celeste Iida, President of the American Ceramic Society, Southern California Design Chapter getting her copy signed. I decided to tak a bunch more pictures and post. There are so many beautifull pieces on display I wanted to share. Below is one of the large platters on display and a few images of the sculptural work that he did.

Many fine examples of his work are on display, from platters to lidded vessels to chalice shapes and bottles. As I have said before, the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona California is a great place! If you are in the area be sure to check it out, better yet become a member! Check out the member page of AMOCA's site and support ceramics in America!

Art From The Ashes

2009-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday October 10th I took a drive up to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens to see the "Art From The Ashes" show.

Art From The Ashes is a non profit organization formed to create artwork to benefit those devastated by the ravages of fire. "ART from the ashes is a collaborative of independent artists and volunteers, founded by native Californian Joy Feuer, who contribute talent, time and energy to create art for resource. Artwork is crafted from materials collected from fire site locations after personal items have been removed. Debris that would otherwise be cleared and dumped into landfill is gathered and transfigured into one-of-a-kind works of art through the unique vision of each artist. ART from the ashes then hosts a charity exhibition showcasing the art that has been created from the reclaimed fire site materials. A portion of the proceeds from each exhibition is donated to a local or national charity chosen by the business or individuals impacted by the fire."

The show was placed along a pathway surrounding a wildflower filled meadow. Although the gardens were not totally destroyed and are making a comeback you can see the devastation the fire caused. The piece above is by Evan Vieser who used ash from the fire in his work. Below is an assemblage piece by Celeste Iida, she chose a blob of aluminum that had been a garden tool and the plates on the right below are from Peter Gee who also used ash from the fire in his creations.

The piece above on the left is from Joy Feuer, Joy placed a chunk of charred wood on her piece creating a different effect than using ash in glaze.

More Harrison Macintosh

2009-09-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post the rest of the images i took the other night of the Harrison Macintosh show at AMOCA. Enjoy!

Also At The Armstrong ~ Clay Street

2009-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

"Throughout history, many civilizations have used the ceramic medium to record their existence. From these artifacts, we can form an understanding and various interpretations of their social, political, and religious structures. My work reflects some of these aspects of contemporary society, with an aesthetic uniquely related to the street culture of Los Angeles." This is how Los Angeles based ceramic artist Gerardo Monterrubio describes his work. My pictures dont do it justice, should have taken my camera. Be sure to follow the link to his website.

“Hello Chimera” At The Armstrong

2009-09-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Molly Schulps work is currently showing at the Armstrong Gallery in the Pomona Arts Colony. Her work is strangely familiar in a dream-like Dr. Moreau way. She combines various parts to create the inhabitants of her world, she "investigates creation, evolution, and science with an added humorous and kitschy commentary". Her use of color enhnaces the surreal quality of the work. Even if this isnt your cup of tea you can appreciate the creativity of her work. I am fascinated by it and enjoy seeing ceramic art moving beyond function and exploring boundries of reality.

Harrison Macintosh At AMOCA

2009-09-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

On saturday September 12 I went out to Pomona for the monthly Art Walk and to several ceramic openings. The first was the opening of the Harrison Macintosh show at AMOCA. As usual the folks at AMOCA have put together an incredible show. One of the leaders of the Southern California post-World War II crafts movement his work boasts of beautiful precise lines and decorative graphic elements that accentuate the perfect proportions of his timeless pottery.

More to come from the opening at the Armstrong!

Do You Cerf?

2009-08-27T16:42:00.001-07:00

CERF, or the Craft Emergency Relief Fund is a great orginization helping artists in need. There is nothing else like it in this country. The info below is from thier website, check it out and help support if you can!
The mission of CERF is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. CERF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and is the only one of its kind in the United States.
CERF accomplishes its mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance.
CERF also advocates, engages in research, and backs policy that supports craft artists’ careers.

The Next Show At AMOCA

2009-08-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to this one! I will be at the opening and will post pictures. Not only is the show for Harrison McIntosh but it is also his birthday. And it is also the 5 year anniversary of AMOCA!

More From Diversity In Clay At AMOCA!

2009-08-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post the rest of the pictures I took at the Diversity In Clay opening, I absolutely love the tea pot above by David Cuzick. Below on the left are sculptures from Nina de Creeft Ward, the grouping on the right has work from Celeste Iida, Frank Massarella and Cathy Reichel-Clark.

On the left below is a sculpture from Kelly Berning titled "The Spectacle" and on the left a detail of a wall installation titled "Buta Pairing" from Karen Koblitz.

Below is a sculpture titled "Double Horse" by Stefani Gruenberg.

Click any image to enlarge.

Diversity In Clay at AMOCA

2009-08-09T19:40:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to the opening reception for the American Ceramic Society, Design Chapter's community exhibition and fundraiser featuring Southern California Ceramic Artists, at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. It was a great show! So much incredible work to see. My friend Celeste Iida is the President of the ACSDC and did an incredible job as did the judges. Above is William Shin, extruder extraordinare, his work is incredible.

From left to right above is work from David Cuzick and Marc Hoar, my FaceBook friend Patti Hallowes won an Honorable Mention for her sculpture "A little bird told me". Next is a sculpture by David Gilbaugh and a giant egg, "Ceramasaurus" by Charles Sherman.

Above is work from Heather Rosenman with Twyla Wardell in the background and Heidi Ulbrich. Below is Christy Johnson, the director at AMOCA. Christy does a fabulous job bringing in amazing work, hats off to you Christy! thank you for all your work!

You can click any image to enlarge. The show runs through August 29th, see it if you can!

Not Your Grandmothers Tea Party ~ Pictures

2009-08-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Linda asked about the tea party, it was a great success! The first seating was completly sold out and the second seating was almost full! The restaurant owner was happy as we all the participating artists. There was alot of activity and sales going on at our tent in the parking lot!

Porcelain For The People!

2009-08-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, sorry I havent posted for a while, been busy working on my first full e-commerce website for my t-shirt company.
I had an idea for a new feature here on SoCalPotters, kind of an online studio tour. If you want to participate send me some images of your studio and tell what you like about it, your favorite time of day to work etc.
Send to cmc @ chrismccormick.com
I got an email from Matt Katz of Matt and Daves Clays the other day. I am very interested in trying thier clay, check out the site for more info MattandDavesClays.Com or thier blog all about slipcasting at Slipcast.Blogspot.com
They are combining right and left brain disicplines in thier work. Bringing science and art together. Cool.
They are on FaceBook and you can follow them on Twitter too!
Check it out.

"All Cups" At McGroarty Arts Center

2009-06-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

The All Cups show opens this saturday at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga. Guess who is one of the invited artists...?

This is NOT your Grandmother’s Tea Party

2009-06-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

A group of friends and I have joined together to promote our work. We are calling our group the "Covert Potters Association" and our first event is a tea party. The following is our press release...

The event:
Guests are invited to join a small group of ceramic artists at an exclusive event, a late afternoon tea party, held at a charming restaurant. What makes this tea party different is the guest get to pick out a tea cup (made by the artists for the event) and are then served from tea pots also made by the artists. The artists visit with the guests as they enjoy their delicious tea and goodies. When the guest leaves, the guest gets to take their tea cup with them to enjoy for years to come.
Why a tea party?
The new economy requires rethinking how/what people are going to spend money. They are more likely to spend money on an experience rather than just a product.
Mass market producers have artists beat at the quantity and pricing game. They can produce a huge quantity very quickly with quality and style that can be sold at a lower price-point than an artist’s work.
Artists who want to succeed in this economy have to out-play the mass market/big box stores. Generally people buy from an artist because they have connected on a personal level, either with the artist or the work of art. So, we needed to find a creative way to facilitate this connection.
This event is really about marketing and building a potential client list for these artists. There will be additional functional ware for sale (matching cups, tea pots, pitchers, platters, etc.); however, the value to the artist is in the human connection made for the next event.

For more info check out http://www.teacupparty.com/

What creative ways are you considering to sell your work? Please comment and share!

Subtle Hues, Sugary Surfaces ~ Birdie Boone

2009-04-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Birdie Boone is one of those rare people that you come accross; Intelligent, witty and talented! Birdie received her BA in studio fine art from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1994 and her MFA in ceramics from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth in 2005. I was happy that she agreed to take part in SoCalPotters! Be sure to check out her website as well as the Archie Bray Foundation site, where Ms. Boone was the 2008 Lincoln Fellow.

Why clay?

Clay is a medium I was introduced to at an early age. I immediately understoodhow it worked and I guess it stuck. Conceptually, I think it’s important to note the inherent history of its (ceramics) domestic relevancy with regard to my choice to make pots, since my ultimate goal is to explore ‘domestic intimacy’. Plus, twice in my life, I have idolized a potter...at age 5, I wanted to be just like my best friend’s mom and at age 20, I wanted to be just like my college ceramics professor. What inspires you? Things that come to mind: life, familiar, family, food, home, personal identity, personality, soft, subtle, sweet, my environment, the natural world, plants, nature and nurture, geography, geology, infinity, similarity, nourishment, nutrition, the omnivore’s dilemma, sanity, good design, genealogy, growth, maturity, balance, the role of the pot in everyday life, celebration, perception, awareness, discovery, revelation, comprehension, curiosity, necessity, physical, emotional, metaphor, a truly good idea, the screenplays of P.T. Anderson, Wes Anderson, and Charlie Kaufman...

You have some amazing glazes, what are you firing to?
I currently work with a mid-range red clay from Canada to which I apply a white bisque slip (which brightens up the glazes). I glaze fire to cone 5 1/2 to 6 1/4 in an electric kiln. It has taken a number of under-fired and over-fired kilns to find the ideal firing cycle for my work (and it continues...)! My current favorite glazes are a Val Cushing base and one of those ‘20g x 5’ base recipes. I have been working with the Cushing glaze for about 4 years now and have just begun to work with the other. Both are lithium dominant bases, so they have lovely color reactions and sugary surfaces. I tend to use small amounts of manganese carbonate and nickel carbonate to tone down oxides and stains. Most of my glaze colors contain 2 oxides, but I am starting to layer glazes, so I am getting results from 3 or 4 colorants in combination that way. Mostly, this tends to result in an even more subtle hue, but sometimes there are unexpected, lovely interactions that occur. My favorite oxides are (in no particular order) red iron, neodymium, erbium, and nickel. I tend to stay away from cobalt, but if I had a scale that measured in tenths or hundredths of a gram, I would probably use it.
I have to admit that I am one of those people who likes to look in a catalog and say “give me 25 lbs of that”. I am not interested in the process of formulating my own. What is it about glaze calculation that you like?

I was taught to give ‘glaze’ as much attention as I give to form. I don’t want to diminish the role of the actual form or shape (because it IS integral to my work), but I tend to think of my glazes as the reason for the form, rather than the other way round. Also, I get to be a chemist! I get to geek out over a grid and pretend to be someone who loves numbers (calculator a definite necessity! and even then, I have to double check). I am drawn to glaze formulation because the process reveals an infinite range of subtleties in color and surface texture. I can make conscious choices about what works best for me in terms of my conceptual ideas and also in order to present the user with a surface so luscious that he/she cannot help but be sensually engaged with the glazed object. I also think that understanding how different materials change with heat and time when combined with one another goes a long way toward giving the work integrity and complexity (even with pots as seemingly simple as mine).

What are your thoughts on the artist as activist?

I definitely consider myself an activist, albeit a fairly covert one. If an activist promotes social change, then my opinion is that most artists are activists, no matter how subtle or indirect the approach. The accountability aspect of being an artist/activist, however, is another conversation altogether. Watching and listening to my parents has almost always managed to fulfill any need for activism I might have. Also, I went to high school with a bunch of young conservatives, who kind of put a wet blanket over my regard for politics. I have to be careful when discussing ‘political art’ because I don’t want to offend anyone, but I definitely have opinions. Let’s just say that in most (note that I have not used the word ‘all’) cases, I would rather listen to ‘The Capitol Steps’.

Who are your favorite artists and why?
I don’t know much about anything other than ceramics, but here we go...Painter Janet Fish for her astounding perception of light and color, as well as for her ‘unglamorous’ subject matter, her still-life compilations of mundane objects in bizarre relationships with one another. Ceramic Designer Eva Zeisel for her amazing life and her comprehension of nurture/nourish as it is revealed through her tableware. Architect/Designer Frank Lloyd Wright for his integrity (!) toward finely crafted domiciles/domestic objects who’s forms do indeed follow function...and celebrate it in the subtlest of ways, as well as for his ability to build ‘with’ nature. Jeweler Cynthia Toops for her ability to use Sculpey like no other! And here is a short list of some of my favorite ceramic artists: Akio Takamori (US), Takeshi Yasuda (China, England) , Janet DeBoos (Australia), Ayumi Horie (US), Edmund de Waal (England), Ron M eyers (US).

What would your advice be to someone just starting with clay?

1. Don’t pay attention to the name-droppers. They think they know it all and all they really know is nothing much.

2. Don’t let the rules hold you back; this applies to the ‘rules’ of thumb that are the general guidelines usually followed when working with clay, as well as physical ‘rules’ such as the rule of gravity. Of course, timing is important for this one.

3. Probably the best advice one can give or receive: make, make, make, make, make, make, make, and then make; this is how the work gets better (and it can almost always be better!).
What’s your favorite cuss word?

‘Shitbucket’ is my favorite ‘secret swear word’, meaning I think it, rather than speak it. I cuss pretty openly to myself while working in the studio, especially as I tend to do a lot of stupid little things that deserve a good cussing out! I am, however, working on cleaning up my ‘public’ vocabulary because, well, because it’s just time to grow up, damn it!

What is your favorite color?

Green, and I say this without hesitation. In fact, my top faves are all greens: new growth green, chartreuse, sea foam, kelly, mint, but I should stop. Although green is at the top of my color hierarchy, I also love almost all colors, especially fleshy hues. It might be easier to mention the colors/glazes that I hate: cobalt blue (sorry), copper red (sorry, again), and purple (on the rarest of occasions, I can handle purple if it’s toned way, way down). I have to admit that I am a glaze color revolutionist and don’t have much regard for the traditional standbys, but that is not to say that I won’t appreciate them if they’re used well.

If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be?

There are tons of places where I would ideally love to live, but I have recently realized that it’s most important to just ‘be’ wherever you actually are.

What’s your favorite quote?

“All good pots are shaped like a boob.” -Julia Galloway

“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” -Princess Leia

Though not a famous quote, it is my favorite: “It doesn’t matter what you can do, it matters what you do do.” -Buckey Boone (my dad)and finally...

"Are we there yet, Papa Smurf?” -Smurfette

I love this glaze! I may have mentioned before that I have a collection of cups and mugs that I use everyday for my coffee and thoroughly enjoy choosing my cup in the morning. I think I need to get one of these!

Thank you Birdie!

Natural Connections & Ceramica de la Tierra

2009-04-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Went out to Pomona last night for the opening of Natural Connections at the Armstrong Gallery. Around the corner in the American Museum of Ceramic Art is "Ceramica de la Tierra" with pre-columbian pottery as well as contemporary work by Luis Bermudez and Francisco “Pancho” Jiménez. I finally got to meet Shane as well as another artist I admire who was interviewed here, Ricky Maldonado.

Francisco “Pancho” Jiménez

Luis Bermudez
Shane Keena

Shane Keena

Susan Clusener

Both locations offer incredible exposure to varied forms of ceramics, both functional and sculptural. If you don't live in the area make sure that a stop in the Pomona Arts Colony is on your agenda when you visit Southern California.

Natural Connections ~ Shane Keena

2009-04-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last year one of the featured artists here on SoCalPotters was Shane Keena. Shane is part of a group show that opens next saturday April 11 at the Armstrong Gallery in Pomona CA. The show is called Natural Connections, if you are in the area, check it out! The American Museum of Ceramic Art is right around the corner, so make an evening of it!

Deep Inside My Soul ~ Elizabeth Dychter

2009-04-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

When i first approached Elizabeth about doing an interview here I had no idea of her family history, I was simply drawn to the work for the pure emotion it conveys. Elizabeth is from Argentina and when I recieved the questions back I can honestly say I was shocked and felt bad for the questions asked. From looking at her work you wouldnt expect her to be the happy person that she is. Thank you Elizabeth for allowing the clay to convey your family history.

Why clay?
I think clay is the most noble and tricky material at the same time, but yet realistic, and the fact that it is closer to the every day needs, makes it more interesting. When you think that in the very beginning of the humanity mud was there, I cannot think of another material to express myself. The sensation of being in contact with nature, melting your hands with the softness of the clay, it´s something beyond any explanation. Even mistakes can be wonderful with clay. It allows us to create and recreate all the while you are working. It combines every essential element, earth, water, air and fire...
What inspires you?
In 2006 I was in a workshop and one of the artists, the Japanese Kyoko Tokumaru said that she first listens to what clay has to say. She said that the clay talks to her and tells her where to start or where to continue. And I think that´s true. I don´t have a preconceived idea of what am I going to do. I let my hands explore the clay and let the material guide me. Obviously my sculptures come from my family history, and it´s deep inside of my soul.

In your sculpture you seem to be dealing with condemnation and solitude, the pieces convey emotion well. What were you trying to say with them?
My father is a survivor of the Holocaust, and I think of myself as a survivor too.
My first pieces of this series, had bandages over their eyes. I was trying to say that people was condemn just because, and nobody wanted to see what was happening. But in this last few years, the bandages fell down, and they turned into faces with no expression going one besides or behind the other, with a kind of resignation, as sheep's to slaughter, and yet no one helps. The lack of interest in human kind...
It´s a dramatic view of humanity, I know,but I still have hopes.
What are your thoughts on the artist as activist?
As you can see I try to make a statement with my art, but I don´t think that is always necessary making a point. Art has to awake your emotions, make you think, but essentially has to touch your soul.
What are your favorites artists and why?
I admire a lot of ceramist of my country; my teacher Alejandra Jones, Vilma Villaverde, Miguel Angel Bonino, as few examples. Their work is consistent with their way of living ceramics.
In the international field I like the Japanese ceramics,the pure and simple, kind of ethereal forms. But I must confess that, the book "The Agony and The Ecstasy", about Michelangelo , changed my life and I knew since then, that I wanted to become an artist.
What would your advice be to someone just starting with clay?
Be patient,learn as much as you can, listen, go to museums, galleries,think of yourself as an alchemist and experiment a lot!
What´s your favorite cuss word?
I curse a lot in Spanish. But sometimes , when I open the kiln the first word that comes to my mouth is in English....shit, shit, shit...
What´s your favorite quote?
The one I have on my Facebook profile
"I sent the club a wire stating, PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION. I DON'T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT ME AS A MEMBER".
~Groucho Marx

Thank you Elizabeth, hearing of your family history adds another level to the meaning of your work and helps gain an understanding. Thank you for sharing and being a part of SoCalPotters.

Accumulating Skills And Techniques ~ Marcello Massoni

2009-03-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

I came accross Marcello Massoni of Gaya Fusion Ceramic and Design on the pages of FaceBook. I love architectural ceramic installations and that was what caught my eye. But all of his work is beautiful. Marcello is an Italian man living with his family and creating in the tropical paradise of Bali, Indonesia.
Why clay?
I love concrete moods, and the relation of this word with the real is solid. This tangible solidity of clay grounds the uncertain situations and surprise, the mystery and the alchemy, of the ceramic process.
My every-day life is a fusion of sure and unsure circumstances, an infinite world of technical precision and mistakes, hard work and delusions, simplicity and happiness. For me, nothing is more lovely.
You live in a beautiful place, how much is your creativity influenced by environment?
I’m based in Bali, a wonderful tropical island ... we are naturally influenced by the beauty of the tropics. But I’m also product designer, expert in finding creative, tailored solutions for all interior decoration needs, so often I need to follow our client's request and mood. In this particular case I have to study and experiment with shapes, textures and colors, sometimes creatively far from the environment in where I live and work and far from my own idea of ceramic beauty and aesthetic. But I don’t feel frustrated, these custom made creations force me to do a lot of research and it challenges me to find the right balance between the client idea and my personal ceramic approach.
Do you listen to music when you work?
Not a lot …
What inspires you?
I find inspiration from studying and experimenting; trying to translate the stimuli around me, large and small, into objects that uncover the shapes, colours and expressions from within the world. I try to do this honestly and without discrimination.
I am fascinated by large architectural ceramic installations and how they transform a space and dictate how the space communicates. How do you come up with an idea for a particular installation?
I read the space, especially the inner and outer architectural volume. After defining the general concept of the installation (lighting, sculpture, wallpaper etc) I research images and basic ideas as brainwave, creating mood boards. When the mood boards are created (like in fashion) comes out naturally to pick up a specific curve of a shape or mix different profiles in order to generate a brand new object … when the gross idea is made, I try with computer rendering and with Photoshop to graphically mount the installation in the space.
This helps me to have the vision of the final result before having the installation installed. In doing so I avoid mistakes and I can better understand proportions and technical issues
Who are your favorite artists and why?
Considering art in general I love Pablo Picasso for the incredible constancy in his work and for his variations in aesthetics. As ceramic artist I like Takeshi Yasuda and Betty Woodman. … Both have an unbelievable freshness in approaching clay …
What would you say to someone just getting started in ceramics who asks you for advice?
I suggest accumulating skills … the world of ceramics is full of techniques, and technical know-how is the only key to decode the idea into an object … If you have a plan but you don’t have the expertise you are totally stuck and frustrated.
Also I suggest that you don’t feel affection for to the created ceramic objects but to just love the creative process …I recommend being flexible in experimenting shapes, color, textures and techniques … even far from your own aesthetic research and personal idea of how ceramic should be … It is the only way to learn new approaches and to discover the unexpected.
What’s your favorite cuss word?
I use bad language quite often … but I curse in Italian … better don’t say …
What do you do to relax?
To relax, I need to clean my mind, so, sometimes I throw small bowls … a lot … same shape, same throwing rhythm … sometimes I do sports … sometimes I just watch a movie or read a book.
What’s your favorite quote?
I have 2
“Creativity takes courage” Henry Matisse
“If you can dream it you can do it” Walt DisneyWow! Both great quotes, I will have to remember them. Thank you Marcello!