Episodios

  • Mindfulness, Mentorship, And Finding Your Voice with Janna DeWan
    May 20 2025

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    In this episode, Janna dives deep into her pottery journey and the significance of mindfulness in creating art. She discusses the importance of making a good pinch pot, shares her high school beginnings with art inspired by her artist mother, and her transition from music to pottery. Janna talks about the influence of the Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts and the pivotal role Naomi Clement's mentorship played in helping her discover her unique artistic voice. She elaborates on her creative process, emphasizing the importance of 'recording touch' and slowing down during creation. Janna also provides practical advice for potters to experiment, embrace play, and explore different forms to develop their style. Finally, she shares about her family-run business, Turning Art Studio, and how they integrate art and bodywork. You can check out her website at turningartsstudio.com

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    00:00 Introduction and Pottery Philosophy 02:23 Journey into Pottery 03:28 Becoming an Art Teacher 05:57 Impact of Teaching on Pottery 07:09 Developing a Unique Pottery Style 09:21 Mentorship and Artistic Growth 14:09 Hand Building vs. Wheel Throwing 18:20 Decorating Techniques 21:30 Finding Your Artistic Voice 27:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    31 m
  • Turning Pottery Into Leather with Sarah Gromek
    May 13 2025

    In this episode, Nic Torres interviews Sarah Gromek, a talented potter and high school ceramics and art teacher who crafts pottery that looks like leather. Sarah shares her journey of gaining confidence in her work, her initial reluctance towards pottery, and how she embraced pottery through teaching. She also delves into her process for creating leather-themed mugs and discusses the importance of constant learning and exploration in developing her unique style. Additionally, Sarah highlights the supportive nature of the ceramics community and offers valuable advice for discovering one's unique voice in pottery. You can learn more about Sarah by checking out her instagram here https://www.instagram.com/sarahcatherineclay/

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    00:00 Introduction to Leather-Like Pottery 01:05 Meet Sarah Gromek: The Leather Pottery Artist 01:58 Sarah's Journey into Pottery 04:18 The Birth of Leather Pottery 07:34 Techniques and Templates 14:58 Discovering Your Unique Pottery Voice 20:51 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    22 m
  • Exploring Unique Pottery Themes and Techniques with Charlie Teft
    May 6 2025

    In this episode, Charlie Teft shares valuable insights into evolving as a potter, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique voice and theme in pottery. Charlie discusses techniques like centering without wrist strain for longevity. Charlie recounts his journey from discovering clay in school to developing innovative pottery styles, including intricate animal paintings inspired by personal experiences. He also delves into the business side of pottery, balancing teaching and creating, the importance of in-person shows, and selling online. Despite hesitations, Charlie's continuous experimentation and overcoming comfort zones have significantly contributed to his unique artistic signature. You can learn more about charlie's work by checking out his instagram https://www.instagram.com/ctefft1/

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    00:00 Introduction and Free Themes Offer 00:41 Teaching Pottery Techniques 01:25 Charlie's Pottery Journey 03:12 Inspiration from Outside the Pottery World 05:25 Starting Animal Paintings on Pottery 13:45 Balancing Pottery and Teaching 15:34 Selling Pottery: In-Person vs Online 19:34 Finding Your Unique Voice in Pottery 26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    28 m
  • Breaking Pottery Norms with Carol Horst
    Mar 12 2025

    In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' Nic Torres interviews Carol Horst, a ceramic artist known for her unique stacking sculptures. Carol shares her perspective on unconventional practices in ceramics, the importance of trusting artistic instincts, and the value of being part of a creative community. She discusses her journey into sculpture, overcoming traditional pottery constraints, and evolving through technique development. Carol also touches on how her identity as a twin influences her work, the significance of continually looking at art, and offers insights for artists aiming to find their own voice and succeed in the art world. You can learn more about Carol by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/carolhorstceramics/

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    00:00 Introduction and Free Themes Offer 00:30 Interview with Carol Horst Begins 01:14 Challenging Pottery Norms 02:46 Journey into Sculpture 04:14 Techniques and Evolution of Sculptures 05:42 Building Larger Sculptures 07:16 Importance of Creative Community 10:42 Inspiration from Materials 12:17 Multiplicity in Artistic Vision 15:01 Business Side of Pottery 18:36 Discovering Your Voice 24:57 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

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    26 m
  • Throwback: The Secret To Making Slab Built Pottery With Sarah Pike
    Feb 27 2025

    In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres revisits an enlightening interview with Sarah Pike, a renowned potter specializing in slab-built pottery with intricate textures. Sarah shares her journey from her early days in pottery to establishing herself as a full-time artist. Listeners will learn the importance of scheduling consistent studio time, embracing failures, and taking small steps daily to ignite creativity. Sarah also delves into the role of social media in her growth, the significance of finding community, and her personal path to discovering her unique pottery voice. She offers practical advice on using textures, making stamps, and navigating the business side of pottery. This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring potters looking to carve their own path and develop a distinctive artistic voice. You can learn more about Sarah by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahpikepottery/

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    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:59 Sarah Pike's Pottery Journey 03:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Pottery 06:57 The Art of Slab Building 15:23 The Business Side of Pottery 23:54 Finding Your Unique Pottery Voice 31:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    33 m
  • Combining Clay And Glass with Kelly Witmer
    Feb 26 2025

    In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery, host Nic Torres interviews Kelly Witmer, a talented artist known for her unique combination of clay and glass in her pottery. Kelly shares her journey of overcoming rejection, the evolution of her work, and the experimentation that helped her find her distinctive pottery voice. The conversation covers everything from Kelly's early struggles in art school to her experience in combining glass and clay, the impact of various inspirations like human anatomy and nature, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Additionally, Kelly discusses the business side of being an artist, the significance of residencies, and offers insightful advice for aspiring artists. Listeners will learn practical tips about working with ceramics and glass, as well as motivational advice on perseverance and creative exploration. You can learn more about kelly by checking out her website https://www.kellywitmer.com/

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    00:00 Introduction to Kelly Witmer 00:41 Overcoming Rejection as an Artist 01:52 Journey into Pottery and Sculptures 02:54 Combining Ceramics and Glass 05:11 Artistic Inspirations and Techniques 07:18 Exploring Multiple Art Forms 08:11 Creating Glass and Ceramic Sculptures 09:22 Advice for Aspiring Artists 10:15 The Business Side of Art 14:44 Discovering Your Artistic Voice 15:25 The Importance of Artistic Communities 17:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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    19 m
  • Letting Go Of Overthinking In Pottery with Sage Morgan
    Jan 29 2025

    In this episode, Nic Torres interviews Sage Morgan, a talented potter known for her sgraffito designs inspired by small creatures and plants. The discussion covers Sage's journey into pottery, starting at age 15, the importance of patience in pottery, and how assistance roles have shaped her skills. Sage explains her unique approach to pottery, incorporating 2D designs into 3D forms using porcelain, inspired by Japanese and Korean pottery. She also shares valuable advice on overcoming anxiety, the benefits of in-person vs. online sales, and the significance of discovering one's unique artistic voice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, continuous experimentation, and learning from others in the pottery craft. You can learn more about sage by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/grumpydwarfpottery/

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    00:00 Introduction and Newsletter Invitation 01:07 Interview with Sage Morgan Begins 02:20 Sage's Journey into Pottery 03:23 The Role of Being an Assistant 06:11 Discovering Sgraffito Pottery 07:59 Overcoming Artistic Anxiety 16:01 Business Side of Pottery 22:57 Finding Your Unique Voice 28:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    30 m
  • Finding Passion and Purpose in Pottery with Justin Kiene
    Jan 15 2025

    In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' engages in a conversation with artist and potter Justin Kiene. Justin discusses the importance of creating art that one loves and how this passion shapes more intriguing and unique pieces. Justin shares his journey into pottery, starting from his dabbling in high school to rediscovering pottery through a local studio in Oakland. He also recounts his influential residency experiences in Puerto Rico and Denmark, which helped him rethink his artistic practice from the ground up. Keene delves into his creative process, particularly his fascination with slip trailing and microbiology-inspired designs. He emphasizes the significance of tactile and sensory elements in his work, as well as the impact of colors. The conversation also covers the business aspect of pottery, where Justin talks about his experience transitioning to a full-time potter and the role of social media. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to make art from a place of passion, surround themselves with a diverse artistic community, and not let imposter syndrome hinder their creative journey. You can learn more about justin be checking out his instagram https://www.instagram.com/justinkiene/

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    00:00 Introduction and Newsletter Invitation 00:29 The Importance of Making What You Love 01:13 Justin's Journey into Pottery 02:53 Residency Experiences in Puerto Rico and Denmark 05:42 Rediscovering Pottery and Slip Trailing 10:35 Inspiration from Microbiology 13:09 Creating Sensorial Pottery 19:17 Becoming a Full-Time Potter 25:43 Finding and Developing Your Unique Voice 32:29 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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    34 m