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

Turning Pottery Into Leather with Sarah Gromek

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

Exploring Unique Pottery Themes and Techniques with Charlie Teft

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

Breaking Pottery Norms with Carol Horst

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

Throwback: The Secret To Making Slab Built Pottery With Sarah Pike

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

Combining Clay And Glass with Kelly Witmer

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

Letting Go Of Overthinking In Pottery with Sage Morgan

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

Finding Passion and Purpose in Pottery with Justin Kiene

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres interviews Jessica Sanford, a seasoned potter with 25 years of experience. Jessica shares her unique perspectives on commonly held beliefs in the pottery world, especially regarding beginners and the emphasis on production. She recounts her journey into pottery, from high school classes to becoming an inadvertent teacher, and discusses how teaching has elevated her own pottery skills. Jessica also delves into her current focus on functional pottery and graphic design influences, her approach to finding one's voice in pottery, and the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the common mistakes made by beginners and intermediates, and the significance of being generous in the pottery community.  You can learn more about Jessica by checking out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/claywithjess/

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 00:00 Introduction and Newsletter Invitation 00:29 Challenging Common Pottery Beliefs 03:40 Jessica's Pottery Journey 04:40 The Unexpected Teaching Opportunity 07:33 Improving Pottery Skills Through Teaching 13:03 Common Mistakes in Wheel Throwing 18:11 Jessica's Pottery Style and Inspirations 25:16 Finding Your Voice in Pottery 33:39 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice 36:13 Outro and Newsletter Reminder

Mastering Pottery Skills with Jessica Sandford

In this episode, Nic Torres shares a personal anecdote about being kept awake by loud rain and a dripping sound, leading to random thoughts and ponderings about water and the scientific method. He then ties this to pottery, explaining how the scientific method can be applied to pottery by creating and testing hypotheses to find what works best. He emphasizes that treating pottery as a series of experiments can make the process more enjoyable, help discover one’s unique voice, and lead to continuous improvement and innovation.

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I was up at 4 in the morning one day...

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres interviews Anna Shipulina, a mother, immigrant, and artist. Anna shares her experience of how embracing freedom in her pottery practice has helped her grow as an artist. She discusses the importance of doing what you love to avoid burnout and the significance of intuitive building. Anna also talks about how her role as a mother and immigrant has influenced her art, the transition from wheel throwing to hand building, and her inspiration from nature and the human body. She offers practical advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, involving children in the creative process, and discovering one's unique voice in pottery.  You can learn more about Anna by checking out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annashipulina_ceramics/

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 00:00 Introduction and Newsletter Invitation 01:05 Interview with Anna Shipulina Begins 02:05 Anna's Pottery Journey 03:50 Balancing Art and Life 07:29 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 09:22 Exploring Handbuilding and Sculptures 12:19 Finding Inspiration in Nature and the Human Body 14:21 Embracing Imperfections in Pottery 17:31 Discovering Your Unique Voice 22:53 Final Thoughts and Advice 23:49 Conclusion and Newsletter Reminder

Intuitive Sculpting w/ Anna Shipulina 

Discovering your unique voice in pottery can be very difficult if you do it alone. That is why The Shaping Your Pottery podcast was made to help potters like yourself to help you find your voice, standout from the crowd, and help you enjoy making pottery

Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres