An Ancient-Contemporary Maker | Elena Vasilantonaki | Episode 592

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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Clay Saved Her Life | Chiara Della Santina | Episode 591

Chiara Della Santina | Episode 591

Chiara Della Santina was born and raised in Tuscany but spent many years living abroad. Chiara moved back to Orbetello (her hometown) 5 years ago. For many years Chiara worked as a language teacher. About 2 years ago Chiara decided to shake up her life and become a full-time potter. So far it’s been the best decision Chiara ever made in her entire life!

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How to Take Risks Safely | Stephanie H. Shih | Episode 590

Stephanie H. Shih | Episode 590

Stephanie H. Shih explores concepts of home—not just as a physical place, but also as cultural, generational, and emotional spaces we inhabit—through the lens of Asian-American identity. Eighteen pieces from her current body of work will be exhibited at the American Museum of Ceramic Art (Pomona, CA) in 2020. Stephanie lives in Brooklyn.

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Pouring-Glaze Art | Bethany Sheesley | Episode 589

Bethany Sheesley | Episode 589

Bethany Sheesley is a ceramic artist, brand designer, and studio owner with a BFA from the University of Iowa. Bethany has spent the last decade fully immersed in design and ceramics. Three years ago, Bethany realized a dream of hers by creating a new pottery studio in Phoenix, AZ, where she lives and works with other artists. Bethany’s ceramic work is an ever-evolving exploration, inspired by nature, design, and a variety of artistic mediums.

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The Value of Having Separate Bank Accounts | Tara Carter | Episode 588

Tara Carter | Episode 588

Tara Carter is a ceramic artist living in Telluride, Colorado. Tara earned her BA in Ceramics and MBA from Otterbein University in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Since graduating in 2011, Tara has been teaching ceramics classes, developing her own work by attending a variety of workshops, and exhibiting her wares.

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Making Mortal Pots & Making Immortal Work | Gabo Martini | Episode 587

Gabo Martini | Episode 587

Gabriela Martinez (Gabo Martini) was born in Tarimoro, Guanajuato, Mexico in 1995. She received her BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics from Texas State University in 2018. Martini’s work is inspired by indigenous Mexican and Native American art. She carves patterning and lettering onto terracotta vessel forms.

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