Author Archive: Paul Blais

“A Couple Hashtags Can Go A Long Way” | Liz Mazurek | Episode 721

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Liz Mazurek | Episode 721

Liz Mazurek studied art and ceramics at Southwestern University where she received a BFA and realized she wanted to pursue clay as her lifelong career. Since graduating, Liz took on a year long post-baccalaureate position at Colorado State University that offered a great opportunity to learn about how she was going to proceed in her clay career. Once her time at CSU came to a close, Liz found a local pottery studio called Smokestack Pottery in Fort Collins, Colorado in which she decided to become a full time resident artist. Liz currently teaches classes, fire kilns, and work as an independent artist.

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“An Artist Who Also Has A Gift for Teaching” | Alexandria Medenciy | Episode 720

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Alexandria Medenciy | Episode 720

Alexandria Medenciy is a potter and high school ceramics teacher located in the Quad Cities. Alexandria is a firm believer in being a teaching artist, and works to inspire and engage her students using clay. Alexandria’s work (Gemini Pottery) focuses on the juxtaposition of black and white sgraffito with loose and expressive color behind it.

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What’s It Take to Survive as an Artist | Terry Hildebrand | Episode 719

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Terry Hildebrand | Episode 719

Born in Manitoba, Terry Hildebrand graduated with an MFA from the UofMinnesota in 2014. Terry received a BFA from UofManitoba in 2007. Between Universities Terry was the ceramics technician at UManitoba. After school Terry taught at Medicine Hat College and participated in residencies at Medalta and the Banff Center until they moved back home in 2018. Terry and his partner are full time artists based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Being a Part-Time Potter & Making a Big Impact | Camille Beckles | Episode 718

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Camille Beckles | Episode 718

Camille Beckles is the creative person behind Camille at the Wheel. Camille at the Wheel is a collection of handmade ceramics with a bent towards beautiful utility. Camille loves cups that fit nicely in your hand, bowls that hold just the right amount of popcorn, and mugs that are perfectly sized for morning coffee. Camille’s hope is that her work brings you joy and usefulness, in equal measure.

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It’s Like Improv | Sasha Barrett | Episode 717

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Sasha Barrett | Episode 717

Using earthenware clay, Sasha Barrett makes functional and decorative pots. The surfaces of Sasha’s forms are painted using heavy, colorful brushstrokes to create a feeling of movement and mood. Sasha throws his pots on a slow turning kick-wheel. Sasha finds inspiration from his home country of Ukraine.

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No Website. No Etsy. Selling Out in an Hour! | Lacy Corlis | Episode 716

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Lacy Corlis | Episode 716

Lacy Corlis is a potter living in Hood River, Oregon. Lacy’s father introduced her to this craft as a young girl. She loves creating functional pottery using detailed sgraffito and brightly colored glaze combinations. Lacy finds inspiration in nature and emotions.

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She’s Just Starting to Sell | Crysten Puszczykowski | Episode 715

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Crysten Puszczykowski | Episode 715

With a career as a graphic designer and marketer, Crysten Puszczykowski’s real passion is pottery, spanning back to when she received her first pieces as gifts. Crysten took her first class in high school but didn’t really get into it until years later when her daughter was 9 and Cryesten wanted something they could do together. That was 2013 and now Crysten has her own wee studio in her garage and is creating whenever she can. Crysten’s career and homes have changed, but her obsession over clay remains. Crysten believes pottery should be for everyone and used everyday.

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How to Talk to Customers | Steve Booton | Episode 714

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Steve Booton | Episode 714

Since returning to ceramics after a long absence, it has been a journey of rediscovery for Steve Booton. Rediscovering lost skills. Rediscovering lost enthusiasm, and rediscovering an aesthetic approach to working with clay that feels natural and unforced. Steve’s latest work, with a strong Japanese influence, is where he feels most comfortable. Steve continues to explore wood firing with simple shino glazes on uncomplicated direct forms
allowing the nature of the clay to develop honest pots with what he likes to call beautiful imperfections.

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The Primal Nature of Clay | Michelle Gardella | Episode 713

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Michelle Gardella | Episode 713

Michelle Gardella pictures and pottery both leave her covered in mud. Whether she’s wading in rivers with her camera, or spinning bowls at her wheel, Michelle’s art is rooted in an unwavering reverence for the human connection with earth and water, and one another.

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