Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast

On today's episode, I talk about the need for the ceramic community, myself included, to be actively antiracist in our actions. As we make changes to create a more inclusive ceramic community for Black, Indigenous and artists of color I encourage you to consider Dr. King's words on the dangers of the white moderate and the hesitance to take up the fight for social justice in favor of slow reforms. The time for change is now.

"First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."

Martin Luther King April 16, 1963 - Letter from a Birmingham Jail

To support BIPOC in our community, institute equitable hiring practices, purchase art work, and support inclusive efforts such as The Color Network: www.instagram.com/thecolornetwork

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Isaac Scott. His ceramic vessels and sculpture draw from hip hop, pop culture, and politics, and are inspired by historical cultures that communicated their values through symbolic leadership figures, such as pharaohs and Gods. He uses silk screens, stencils, and painting to create images of political figures, musicians, artists, and self-portraits that create modern myths. In our interview we talk about the power of monuments, black representation in public spaces, and his recent photographs of Black Lives Matter protests in Philadelphia, PA. During the course of a peaceful protest against police brutality, Isaac and other protesters were beaten, tear gassed, and shot with rubber bullets. To see Isaac's images from the protests, follow @thisisphotography2020 on IG. You can see images of his ceramic work at @this_is_ceramics.

On today's Amaco Community Corkboard we have the Ceramic Arts Reading Group. The group seeks mud artists of all stripes, from the glaze riffraff to the iron rabble, to form a ceramic arts reading group for women and non-cis gender men. This monthly reading group will be dedicated to creative, lively, and intellectually rigorous art theory discussions. The group chooses texts and material that are directly relevant and meaningful to the personal art practices of the members. They encourage you to join them to share and unravel ideas! Plant the metaphorical seed and hatch the allegorical egg! For more information on the reading group, you can contact beanjellyceramics or yucky_nat on Instagram, or write to them at [email protected] (that's ceramic arts, with an 's').

Ceramic Materials Workshop is a proud sponsor of the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. Ceramic Materials Workshop is a place online to learn about how materials really work. They've been teaching about glazes at the most prestigious ceramic universities for years, and now offer online classes that are open to everyone around the world. Class sessions begin every January, April, July and October 1st, or you can try their new self-guided online workshop the Middle Glazes: The Story of Mid Temperature Glazes available now. Use the coupon code REDCLAY, all one word, for 25% off the Middle Glazes for a limited time. Find out more and sign up at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Andrei Taraschuk. Using computer skills from his day job as a software engineer, Taraschuk creates and manages a fleet of art bots that post images of art across Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. In our interview we talk about the structure of an art bot, which social media platforms have responded best to bots, and why we need art in our daily lives. To find out more about Andrei visit www.offtheeasel.com, where you can create your own art bot to share the art you love.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the History of Ceramics Instagram feed. If you need a break from politics and the pandemic you can fill your feed with photographs of ceramic vessels and sculptures from global history. Images are tagged with links to the Metropolitan Museum, Sotheby's, or other institutions to help you research your favorite genres of historical pottery and sculpture. To join in follow @historyofceramics on Instagram.

Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, we have embarked on our ninth season of the show and to celebrate we are having a spring fund drive. Since the quarantine started, I've gotten emails of support about how the podcast helps listeners feel connected to the friends they can't physically be around. The podcast continues to be a great way to connect with other artists from the comfort and safety of your own home studio. You can support the show with a donation through the Pay Pal donation portal at www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate or by making a monthly pledge at patreon.com/redclayrambler. If you join Patreon today you can access perks like t-shirts, water bottles and other podcast swag, as well as having access to the Patreon exclusive Tales from the Vault podcast, which features remastered episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. Your donation or pledge will help me reach the goal of raising $3000 for this fund drive. Thanks for listening and stay safe out there.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Tim Kowalczyk. His trompe l'oeil ceramic vessels mimic cardboard, Styrofoam, and other normally disposable industrial materials. In our interview we talk about the building process for making trompe l'oeil objects, the symbiotic benefits of being loyal to a gallery, and his web series "Critiquing with Kids." To find out more about Tim visit www.timsceramics.com.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the History of Ceramics Instagram feed. If you need a break from politics and the pandemic you can fill your feed with photographs of ceramic vessels and sculptures from global history. Images are tagged with links to the Metropolitan Museum, Sotheby's, or other institutions to help you research your favorite genres of historical pottery and sculpture. To join in follow @historyofceramics on Instagram.

Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, we have embarked on our ninth season of the show and to celebrate we are having a spring fund drive. Since the quarantine started, I've gotten emails of support about how the podcast helps listeners feel connected to the friends they can't physically be around. The podcast continues to be a great way to connect with other artists from the comfort and safety of your own home studio. You can support the show with a donation through the Pay Pal donation portal at www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate or by making a monthly pledge at patreon.com/redclayrambler. If you join Patreon today you can access perks like t-shirts, water bottles and other podcast swag, as well as having access to the Patreon exclusive Tales from the Vault podcast, which features remastered episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. Your donation or pledge will help me reach the goal of raising $3000 for this fund drive. Thanks for listening and stay safe out there.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Carrie Cleveland. She works in disaster-preparedness education and outreach for the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. CERF+ was started by artists for artists in the craft community in 1985 and has since emerged as the leading nonprofit organization that uniquely focuses on safeguarding artists' livelihoods. In our interview we talk about the Cares Act legislation and resources available to artists to help with the financial impact of the COVID pandemic. To find out more about emergency relief, career protection tools, and other resources visit www.cerfplus.org.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the 28th Annual Saint Croix Valley Pottery Tour, May 8-10. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak the tour will be held online with shops going live on May 8th at 10 am CDT. For more information visit www.minnesotapotters.com or follow @stcroixvalleypotterytour on Instagram for previews and updates.

I'd like to thank Amaco/Brent for sponsoring the community corkboard. Brent Equipment is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and have created a Limited Edition Black CXC wheel. For more information visit www.amaco.com.

Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, we are embarking on our ninth season of the show starting this May. To support the new season, we are having a spring fund drive. Throughout the year I receive emails from fans who talk about how this podcast helps them connect with other artists around the world. One recent listener said, "I appreciate all the voices you give a platform to, especially amazing women like Naomi Clement." Giving voice to the many generations of ceramics artists that are working today is my mission, and I need your help to accomplish it. Our goal for the month of May is to raise $3,000 to support our production costs. You can get involved by making a donation through the Pay Pal donation portal at http://www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate or by making a monthly pledge at patreon.com/redclayrambler.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Justin Rothshank. Working from his home studio in Goshen, IN Justin has been making functional pottery and experimenting with low-temperature firing techniques for many years. He recently published his first full-length book Low Fire Soda, which outlines his experimentation and development of atmospheric-fired earthenware. In our interview we talk about the advantages of switching to low temperature firing, the dynamics of a good soda firing clay, and his recent project A Year of Shared Intention, which mixes shared mindfulness with artmaking. To see examples of his work or to purchase the book visit www.rothshank.com.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the application deadline for the The Clay Studio National. This biannual juried exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of the ceramic art field in the United States. This year's guest juror is Lauren Sandler, Assistant Professor and Program Head of Ceramics at Tyler School of Art, Temple University. The entry has been waived this year and artists should apply by May 25. For more information visit www.theclaystudio.org/apply. I'd like to thank Amaco/Brent for sponsoring the community corkboard. Brent Equipment is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and have created a Limited Edition Black CXC wheel. For more information visit www.amaco.com.

The podcast is funded through the generous support of listeners like you. Visit www.patreon.com/redclayrambler or www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate to make a donation.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Kate Johnston. She uses local materials to make highly decorated pots that are fired in a wood kiln outside of Seagrove, NC. Her work is boldly patterned with botanical imagery drawn from art deco design. In our interview we talk about developing design rules to guide one's work in the studio, the romance of NC pottery traditions, techniques for making large pots, and the benefits of competition and cooperation in a tight-knit pottery community like Seagrove. To see examples of her work visit www.katejohnstonpottery.com. You can also find out more about Kate's newly opened studio and gallery at www.thetrianglestudio.com.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. CERF+ was started by artists for artists in the craft community as a grassroots mutual aid effort in 1985 and has since emerged as the leading nonprofit organization that uniquely focuses on safeguarding artists' livelihoods. To find out more about emergency relief, career protection tools and other resources visit www.cerfplus.org.

I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic artists and providing a space to work in Kansas City, Missouri since 1988. I encourage you to apply for the 11th Annual KC Clay Guild Teabowl National before their June 26th deadline. Sam Chung is this year's juror and prizes include purchase and equipment awards, as well as gift certificates totaling over $1000. Find out more and apply today at www.kcclayguild.org/apply.

The podcast is funded through the generous support of listeners like you. Visit www.patreon.com/redclayrambler or www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate to make a donation.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Tom Lauerman, an artist and educator who is working with a consortium of over 200 researchers to develop personal protective equipment for medical personnel during the COVID-19 outbreak. In our interview we talk about the evolution of PPE designs and how rapid prototyping using 3D printers has made daily progress possible. We also discuss the ideas behind Tom's ceramic sculpture and his work as an educator at Penn State University. To see examples of Tom's work visit www.tomlauerman.com. To find out more about M.A.S.C visit masc.psu.edu.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. CERF+ was started by artists for artists in the craft community as a grassroots mutual aid effort in 1985 and has since emerged as the leading nonprofit organization that uniquely focuses on safeguarding artists' livelihoods. To find out more about emergency relief, career protection tools and other resources visit www.cerfplus.org.

I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic artists and providing a space to work in Kansas City, Missouri since 1988. I encourage you to apply for the 11th Annual KC Clay Guild Teabowl National before their June 26th deadline. Sam Chung is this year's juror and prizes include purchase and equipment awards, as well as gift certificates totaling over $1000. Find out more and apply today at www.kcclayguild.org/apply.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Jonathan Barnes, who teaches ceramics, printmaking and art appreciation at the St. Pete College Clearwater campus. In our interview we talk about responding to COVID-19 in the classroom and best practices for teaching art online. We also discuss his personal response to the pandemic, which has been to 3D print personal protective equipment for medical professionals in the Tampa Bay area. To find out more information on Jonathan visit www.buyhandmadepottery.com. To download the 3D print file for making face shields visit the resources page at www.talesofaredclayrambler.com.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the 28th Annual Saint Croix Valley Pottery Tour which is happening May 8-10. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak the tour will be held online with shops going live on May 8th at 10 am. For more information visit www.minnesotapotters.com or follow @stcroixvalleypotterytour on Instagram for previews and updates.

I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic artists and providing a space to explore clay in Kansas City, Missouri since 1988. KC Clay Guild is accepting applications for their Artist-in-Residence Program until April 15th. This program is open to anyone who is looking to jump-start their ceramics career. Benefits include a private studio space, free firing, opportunities to teach, and an annual stipend. Check out www.kcclayguild.org/AIR to learn more.

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Kerianne Quick and Adam John Manley. Both are makers with studio practices steeped in craft, as well as professors of art in the Metals and Wood Departments at San Diego State University. In our interview we talk about their approach to materials, the concepts behind their recent bodies of work, and Craft Desert, a zine focused on craft in the Southwest that they co-edit. To find out more about the zine, visit www.craftdesert.org. To find out more about Kerianne visit www.kerianne-quick.com. To find out more about Adam visit www.adamjohnmanley.com.

On today's AMACO Community Corkboard we have the Art Stream Nomadic Gallery Online Tour. In response to the cancellation of this year's NCECA conference, the Art Stream has launched an online version of their usual cross-country tour featuring thirty-five of the top functional ceramic artists working today. You can shop the gallery from the comfort of your own home at www.shop.art-stream.com/.

Ceramic Materials Workshop is a proud sponsor of the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. Ceramic Materials Workshop is a place online to learn about how materials really work. We've been teaching about glazes at the most prestigious ceramic universities for years, and now our classes are open to everyone around the world online. Class sessions begin every January, April, July and October 1st, or try our new self-guided online workshop the Middle Glazes: The Story of Mid Temperature Glazes, available now. Use the coupon code REDCLAY, all one word, for 25% off the Middle Glazes for a limited time. Find out more and sign up at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.

I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic artists and providing a space to explore clay in Kansas City, Missouri since 1988. KC Clay Guild is accepting applications for their Artist-in-Residence Program until April 15th. This program is open to anyone who is looking to jump-start their ceramics career. Benefits include a private studio space, free firing, opportunities to teach, and an annual stipend. Check out www.kcclayguild.org/AIR to learn more.