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

4.9 (258)
VISUAL ARTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast features weekly interviews with ceramic artists from around the world. Host Ben Carter talks with potters, sculptors, and designers about their creative practice. www.talesofaredclayrambler.com

4D AGO

Derek Reeverts on symbolic figure sculpture

Derek Reeverts is a figure sculptor based in Gainesville, FL, where he is the teaching lab specialist at the University of Florida. In our interview we talk about his use of symbols and tools to depict the midwestern work ethic, teaching students to build and use energy efficient kilns, and the changes the Florida education system has gone through in recent years. www.derekreeverts.com. Derek is a member of the NCECA Green Task Force, which will be taking part in the project space at this year’s conference. Check out Matt Fiske, Hamish Jackson, and others for a wild clay experience that includes learning how to ethically harvest and process wild clay using materials from Utah. If you will be at the conference this week in Salt Lake City come to one of the live tapings that will be happening throughout the day on March 27th and 28th. Find out more on the NCECA app or www.nceca.net. I’m happy to be taking part in this year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, where I will be a guest of Lucy Fagella April 26th and 27th in Greenfield, MA. I’ll also be in the first annual Princeton Pottery Festival, happening at the Princeton Day School May 3rd and 4th. Both events feature an excellent selection of both emerging and established artists. Hope to see you there. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

49 min
MAR 12

Lindsey and Donte from The Mud Peddlers

Lindsey M. Dillon and Donte of Earth Nation join me this week to talk about fan culture, selling ceramics at pop culture conventions, and their podcast The Mud Peddlers. We also talk about Donte’s experience teaching ceramics through his YouTube channel and The Mud Peddlers participation in the NCECA podcast room a few years back. If you will be at this year’s NCECA in Salt Lake City come to one of the live tapings that will be happening throughout the day on March 27th and 28th. This episode is part of a duo, so I want to thank Lindsey and Donte for having me on their show recently. Check out episode 108 of The Mud Peddlers podcast where we talk about the founding of the Brickyard Network and my windy career path in ceramics. www.lindseymdillon.com www.earthnationceramics.com. I’ll be teaching two workshops this summer on ceramic surface design. The first will be at UNR Lake Tahoe June 16th-20th. I’ll also be at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA August 14 - 17, 2025. If you are interested in building layers through mark making and pattern, join me on either coast for a week full of experimentation and community. To register visit UNR.edu or www.snowfarm.org. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

39 min
FEB 27

Nathan Murray on Color Theory

Nathan Murray creates groupings of figure sculptures that explore the intersection of race, class, and culture in America. In our interview we talk about his recent portrait of Malcolm X, which is now installed at the Nebraska state capital, his Color Theory series, and using non ceramic materials to create realistic skin tones. We also discuss his connection to Lincoln, Nebraska where he was raised and has now come back to set down roots. You can read more about Nathan in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors or visit www.nathanmurraystudios.com. I’ll be teaching two workshops this summer on ceramic surface design. The first will be at UNR Lake Tahoe June 16th-20th. I’ll also be at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA August 14 - 17, 2025. If you are interested in building layers through mark making and pattern, join me on either coast for a week full of experimentation and community. To register visit UNR.edu or www.snowfarm.org. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

51 min
FEB 13

Kevin Clancy on Ceramics take over Wheeling

Kevin Clancy is an artist and the curator of Ceramics take over Wheeling, a multiday celebration of ceramics in Wheeling, WV happening February 20th-23rd. In our interview we talk about the history of the city, how creative economy can be a catalyst for urban development, and the exhibitions and workshops that make up the event. We also talk about Clancy’s work in fibers deconstructing flags as a basis for social commentary. www.ceramicstakeoverwheeling.com www.americannibalism.com I’ll be teaching a workshop at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA this summer August 14 - 17, 2025. If you are interested in building layers through mark making and pattern join me for a week full of experimentation and community. To register visit www.snowfarm.org Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

35 min
JAN 28

Brad Klem on China painting

Brad Klem’s porcelain forms are decorated with wild life, disposable plastic products, and corporate logos that draw attention to the human impact on climate change. In our interview we talk about the China painting process, using multiple firings to build an image, and making destruction beautiful. We also discuss moving to Denver and working with the La Serra Collective. www.bradleyklem.com. I’m happy to be returning to Lake Tahoe to teach a workshop this summer at UNR Lake Tahoe. Join me for a low fire soda and surface design workshop June 16th-20th. Register today at UNR.edu. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

52 min
JAN 23

Electric kiln 101 with Theo Uliano

Theo Uliano has worn many hats in his career including artist, educator, mason, and now kiln technician. Along with his team of skilled kiln techs Uliano services kilns at schools, art centers, and private studios throughout the tri-state area. In our interview we talk about the questions you need to ask when buying a new kiln, troubleshooting poor kiln performance, and the career arc that led him to be a kiln professional. www.allkilnservices.com I’m happy to be returning to Lake Tahoe to teach a workshop this summer at UNR Lake Tahoe. Join me for a low fire soda and surface design workshop June 16th-20th. Register today at UNR.edu. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

1 hr
JAN 17

PJ Anderson on smoke firing sculpture

PJ Anderson’s figurative sculptures and vessels have rich patinas created through multi-day smoke firings. In our interview we talk about her making process, the influence of sci-fi futurism, and how she teaches students to understand the difference between cultural transmission and appropriation. We also discuss her work in community engagement for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and how maintaining archives address the realities of the past. You can read more about PJ in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors or visit www.pjandersonceramics.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

55 min
12/19/2024

Brian Nettles on recovering from Hurricane Katrina

Brian Nettles is a potter and educator based in Pass Christian, MS, an area that was hit hard by a 35-foot storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. We start our interview talking about the history of ceramics in southern Mississippi and the influence of bayous and cypress swamps on his aesthetic. The second part of the interview focuses on his experience rebuilding his home and studio after Katrina, as well as tips for navigating recovery resources after a natural disaster. In addition to his own studio, he was the Studio Director of Ceramics at the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, MS from 1997-2005. www.nettlespottery.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

53 min

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4.9

out of 5

258 Ratings

Sunshine is doing great things at The Bray!

11/16/2024

Lady in Clay

As a colleague of hers, I admire Sunshine’s dedication to making a Bray residency the best it can be.
Consistently excellent

02/11/2024

Firecooked

Ben does such an interesting interview with so many high caliber artists!
The best!

02/02/2024

aprilgrateful

Ben Carter is a pottery hero! This podcast is epic and Ben is such a great interviewer! What a treasure of info and interviews!
Tried and true

01/17/2024

StephS2929

Long time listener for a reason. Ben never disappoints with a genuine interview style which shows care and curiosity for those he’s speaking with. An excellent resource for my students and my own practice. Keep up the amazing work!
One of my favorite podcasts!

01/13/2024

fdpottery

I’m always excited when a new episode of Ben’s podcast drops!
A studio must have!

01/09/2024

Amanda Wilkey

Ben has a calm and informative demeanor and interesting, entertaining guests— a perfect companion for making pots.
Good Show!

01/09/2024

Bill Wilkey

Awesome stories. Good
Always the best podcast every week

12/16/2023

OrbitPluto

Ben is such a delightful and educated interviewer- I’m not sure where he got such insightful interviewing skills as a lifelong potter, but he has them in spades. I always learn something new, and while I’m mostly interested in abstract large form sculpture I still find a great deal of enjoyment in each episode. I’ve also learned in depth about lusters- Islamic reduction luster and in-glaze luster that have got me started on new paths in testing glazes and I was able to have wonderful email conversations with a few of his guests who do luster. I especially enjoy anytime Ben talks about majolica and Isnik pottery!
Tales of a red clay rambler

01/12/2023

schkaveet

I just enjoyed listening to Ben and Lorna Meadon talk about her work. Another great conversation with two lovely humans!
Listening to Walter O a 2nd time

09/26/2022

solo seeking higher ground

Thanks Ben for bringing these wonderful interviews into my home. I’ve just finished listening to the latest interview Walter Ostrom again. It’s the one coinciding with his retrospective book Good Earth. I feel like anytime spent with Walter makes me smarter. He has been a huge influence on my work and how I think about pottery. I learn something new each time I listen. I’m thrilled to have him recorded for all time. I spent two weeks with him at a workshop and I will never be the same. He is a one off and we are all so lucky to have access to him in this way. Clearly it’s time for me to buy a book. Thanks again Ben