Transmission 103: A Thousand Year Old Hand

Discover the world of ceramics and sculpture through the insightful journey of artist Canaan Hoffmann. This episode explores the passion, history, and philosophy behind making, the importance of failure, and the beauty of authenticity in art.

Main Topics:

Canaan Hoffmann's journey into ceramics and sculpture, influenced by mentors like T. Paul Hernandez and Walt Glass

The significance of failure and experimentation in artistic growth

The deep history and cultural significance of ceramics across civilizations

The interconnectedness of materials science, geology, chemistry, and art

The importance of community, exploration, and maintaining curiosity

Challenges in the art industry, including sustainability and material scarcity

In this episode:

Canaan shares how growing up in Texas fostered a natural connection to clay due to its deposits

Insights into the transition from theater to sculpture and the influence of local artists

How bronze casting and ceramic practices intersect and evolve

Lessons learned from working with renowned studios and influential mentors

The capricious nature of firing processes and the magic of happy accidents

The cap on perfection and embracing imperfections through wabi sabi

The importance of questioning and setting personal boundaries in art and life

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Canaan Hoffmann and his artistic passions

02:00 - Early influences and transition from theater to sculpture

04:00 - The Texas ceramic community and environmental sculpture

06:00 - Working with bronze and understanding casting techniques

08:00 - The inspiring environment of Walt Glass’s studio

10:00 - Recognizing success through notable collectors and impact of studio scale

12:00 - The timeless process of bronze casting

14:00 - Challenges and support in pursuing a full-time art career

16:00 - Embracing failure and happy accidents in ceramics

18:00 - The joy of discovery and exploration in three-dimensional art

20:00 - The misconception of speed and skill in pottery videos

22:00 - The importance of vulnerability and permission to be bad

24:00 - The role of curiosity and how social media influences perceptions

26:00 - The interconnected history of ceramics in human civilization

28:00 - The significance of material scarcity and environmental concerns

30:00 - The cultural and historical importance of vessels in ancient societies

32:00 - The future of materials and the impact of resource depletion

34:00 - Firing techniques and the significance of community in ceramics

36:00 - The ubiquity of ceramics in modern technology: from rockets to everyday objects

38:00 - The beauty of wabi sabi and Japanese ceramic philosophy

40:00 - Safety, toxicity, and health considerations in ceramic materials

42:00 - Local geology and mineral deposits influence on Texas clay

44:00 - The complexity of raw materials and their sourcing

46:00 - When art becomes finished—trusting the process

48:00 - Supporting students through self-criticism and patience

50:00 - The importance of disconnecting from digital distractions

52:00 - The plasticity of style and the risk of ego in long-term practice

54:00 - The necessity of balancing inspiration with financial stability

56:00 - Imagining the erasure of memory—what one thing to hold onto

58:00 - The evolving boundaries of personal belief and societal influence

60:00 - Authenticity and the courage to be oneself

62:00 - The metaphor of turning into art and embracing imperfections

64:00 - Final reflections and appreciation for vulnerability in art

This episode celebrates the impermanence, experimentation, and community that fuel artistic passions. Get inspired to make, fail, learn, and stay curious through Canaan Hoffmann’s honest reflection on the creative process.

Title: We Hold Each Other Through Stuff

Discover how embodied movement, community, and faith intersect to foster healing, trust, and resilience. Elle Dowd shares her journey from trauma to empowerment through barre, theology, and community engagement.

In this episode:

Elle Dowd’s unique background as a pastor, scholar, and fitness instructor

How movement helps process trauma and build trust in oneself

The parallels between inhabiting a body and living out faith

The importance of agency, modifications, and self-compassion in movement

Community as a source of collective safety, support, and wonder

The power of curiosity, vulnerability, and wonder in healing and growth

The connection between nervous system health and spiritual wellbeing

How embodiment challenges white western narratives separating body and spirit

The role of trauma and healing in reclaiming wonder and trusting oneself

Practicing mindfulness through intentional attention and movement

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Elle Dowd’s multifaceted journey 00:15 - Elle’s background: pastoral work, bisexual theology, and barre instructor 01:09 - Elle’s surprising path from gym avoidance to fitness teaching 02:31 - The healing power of agency in movement 04:54 - Movement as somatic therapy for trauma recovery 07:14 - Trauma living in the body and the importance of embodiment 09:41 - Trusting ourselves through intentional movement 10:34 - Community and collective safety in Barre 3 classes 13:18 - Mindful self-talk and internal affirmations during exercise 14:56 - The importance of discernment and truth in a world of competing voices 16:11 - Connection between physical, spiritual, and emotional health 17:48 - Listening to the body’s signals versus old trauma narratives 20:22 - Self-compassion and responding to body’s needs 21:37 - The role of mindfulness in reclaiming wonder 22:33 - Moving from frozen scarcity to life and vitality 28:18 - The body, faith, and liberating narratives 30:38 - Barre classes as liturgical, embodied community 33:00 - Resilience, community support, and collective healing 36:46 - Wonder in community and the sacred in shared care 41:52 - Allowing vulnerability and curiosity to guide growth 43:30 - Movement as an expression of faith and God’s continual becoming 48:49 - The importance of relaxation and real rest over tension and locking down 53:24 - Discovering new muscles and reconnection with the body 62:49 - Embracing imperfections and trusting the ongoing journey 66:41 - Wonder, uncertainty, and the call to keep moving forward 68:55 - The analogy of wall sits and life’s necessary transitions 70:26 - Living out purpose amidst institutional challenges 71:16 - The importance of choosing oneself and embodying joy 72:13 - Closing reflections on trust, embodiment, and hope

Resources & Links:

Chicago Theological Seminary

Barre3

This episode invites you into a conversation on embodied faith, collective healing, and trusting the movement of life and spirit. Take a moment to listen, reflect, and find your own rhythm of trust and wonder.

Discovering Wonder in Words: A Conversation with Tess Coody Anders

Join Keats Miles-Wallace in a heartfelt discussion with Tess Coody Anders, owner of Pecan Town Books and Brews, about the magic of words, community, and the profound power of poetry and storytelling. They explore how books cultivate wonder, community, and personal meaning beyond mere content.

Key Topics:

Tess's journey from childhood reading escapes to owning her independent bookstore

The role of words as a lifelong love and creative outlet

How small bookstores foster community, curated experiences, and productive collisions of ideas

The unique power of poetry to connect to collective consciousness and universal wonder

The significance of sharing books and experiences in nurturing creativity and empathy

The challenges and truths of being a small business owner amidst everyday chaos

Reflections on literature, including Jane Austen, her disruptive themes, and their relevance today

The impact of life-changing moments, especially in the context of family and parenthood

Perspectives on AI, authentic human creativity, and the evocative power of genuine art

The importance of future-thinking with cultural and environmental responsibility (the seven generations concept)

The joy of literary discovery and the enduring nature of meaningful stories

Timestamps & Highlights

(00:00) - Introduction to Tess Coody Anders and her love for words

(02:17) - The lifelong impact of reading and writing from childhood to journalism

(11:12) - Poetry as a gateway to universal connection and collective consciousness

(13:08) - The wonder in everyday moments, even amidst business chaos like plumbing issues

(21:46) - How the birth of her grandchild reshaped her perspective on urgency and presence

(24:49) - Jane Austen’s enduring relevance and disruptive themes in literature

(27:45) - The power of story, metaphor, and reimagining in contemporary culture

(29:22) - Lauren Groff’s The Vaster Wilds: a story of internal wilderness and resilience

(39:54) - The profound impact of intimate book events and community connection

(43:02) - The gift of human creativity and the dangers of dismissing genuine art

(48:24) - The poetic value of authenticity, emotion, and the collective experience

(55:14) - Wondering about the future, the universe, and humanity’s place in it

(57:42) - The importance of big thinking, legacy, and the influence of metaphysical poetry

Resources & Links

Lauren Groff's The Vaster Wilds

Slouching Toward Bethlehem by Joan Didion

Richard Powers' The Overstory

Connect with Tess Coody Anders

Pecantown Books and Brews Website

Additional Insights

Tess emphasizes curating experiences over stocking books administratively, creating spaces that foster engaging discussions and community bonding.

Poetry’s role in revealing universal truths through subtlety, metaphor, and emotional resonance.

The discussion critiques AI’s imitation of genuine human storytelling, warning of the loss of collective wonder and connection.

The concept of thinking seven generations ahead guides environmental and cultural stewardship, emphasizing responsibility beyond our immediate lives.

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What did you find most inspiring or thought-provoking in this conversation? Share your reflections and keep the wonder alive.

Transcript:

We say it all the time — I wonder… — and usually leave it there. A fleeting moment of curiosity at least, awe at best.

In a world that makes it increasingly difficult to determine truth, we’ve decided to engage in the practice of wonder. Seeking the things that make you stop and say wow.

Over the Moon is a podcast where people get to nerd out about the things they’ve devoted their lives to — and the beautiful pieces that keep them coming back.

The mycologist who never stopped looking at what’s beneath their feet. The physicist who watched math become something they could almost touch. The astronaut who saw the moon and couldn’t explain what happened to them after.

I’m Keats. I’m a pastor, a writer, and someone who believes that wonder might be one of the most radical things left.

This is Over the Moon. A Wondercapture Project.

New episodes coming soon.

Over the Moon: An opportunity to dwell in awe. Subscribe to never miss the chance.

A lot is going on in my life right now. But it turns out this is a perfect time to get to know amazing people — and to wonder both at them and the things they love.

I’m glad you’re here.

Have someone in mind who should be on the show?