Author Archive: Paul Blais

An Icelandic Potter | Embla Sigurgeirsdottir | Episode 597

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Embla Sigurgeirsdottir | Episode 597

Ceramics found Embla Sigurgeirsdottir in 2011 when she stood at crossroads in life and took her on a journey she didn´t expect, an adventure had begun and a new passion for life. Embla works mainly with surface texture by carving into and through her porcelain designs, creating strong patterns and dramatic effects of light and shadows. Embla’s designs often come from the ability of the material itself.  Working with porcelain and drawn to its white and translucent nature, Embla plays with the boundaries it gives her, always trying to push it a little further each time.

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The Queen of False Starts | Denise McDonald | Episode 596

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Denise McDonald | Episode 596

Denise McDonald originally trained as a Landscape Architect, obtaining a Degree in Landscape Architecture in 1991. Denise quickly realized that wasn’t for her and switched to a career path in ceramics by doing a TAFE Diploma of Ceramics in 1996-97. Denise worked in production potteries over the next few years to learn the skills and traditions of her trade from the roots up, most notably, she did the Dartington Pottery Traineeship in England in 1998-1999. Denise began her business DM Pottery in 2010.

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Doing What Makes Her Happy | Marianne Tolosa | Episode 595

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Marianne Tolosa | Episode 595

Working out of her home studio in Virginia, Marianne Tolosa creates almost exclusively mugs inspired by the garden. There is an inherent intimacy to objects that have been made by hand, and Marianne’s work is created with the hope of bringing quiet beauty, meditation, and joy into a person’s coffee or tea ritual.

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Dreaming the Future | Danielle Whigham | Episode 594

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Danielle Whigham | Episode 594

Born in Pennsylvania but raised in Nebraska, Danielle Whigham received her B.A. in studio art from Northwestern College in 2007. While in college, Danielle was able to take advanced classes in ceramics, painting, and printmaking. Over the past two years, Danielle has been starting up a small ceramic studio in her home while also making the transition from full-time mom to studio potter. Danielle has been able to sell her work at several markets across the state and start an online store.

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Turning “What If’s” Into Positives | Lindsay Klix | Episode 593

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Lindsay Klix | Episode 593

Lindsay Klix is the ceramic artist who runs Off Your Rocker Pottery. Lindsay has been working in clay for 21 years and specializes in dinnerware, including full dish sets. Lindsay’s work has been featured in the American Farmhouse Style Magazine, in the number one selling cookbook No Crumbs Left, and more.

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We Need a Big Why with Lindsay Klix

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I don’t recall exactly where I read this, but somebody once said, People who know their purpose in life know who they are, what they are, and why they are. In our for The Potters Cast, Lindsay said that knowing her Big Why gave her a reason to get out of bed and get to work. So these are her thoughts on Why. To listen in on this conversation, click HERE. 

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An Ancient-Contemporary Maker | Elena Vasilantonaki | Episode 592

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Elena Vasilantonaki | Episode 592

For the last nine years, Elena Vasilantonaki has been making with clay, inspired by her need to express herself, to achieve communication, and to present her view of the human nature to others. Born in 1977 in Athens Greece, Elena moved to over six cities by the age of eighteen.  After completing her BA in English Literature  at the University of Athens, Elena taught at a local school for a few years until she stopped to become a full time mother. During that period Elena started taking painting lessons as a creative outlet. In 2010 Elena met with neighbor and talented English potter, Janet Lines who introduces Elena to clay and the ancient firing techniques of raku and pit firing. In 2016 Elena turns her home basement into her studio while still taking pottery classes. In 2018 Elena completes a one year seminar on ceramics technology at Iridanos pottery school  by acclaimed potter Menandros Papadopoulos. She has been working out of her studio ever since.

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