Author Archive: Paul Blais

History Through Countries and Clay | Tania Rustage | Episode 755

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tania Rustage | Episode 755

Tania Rustage’s pottery adventure started in sunny South Africa, as a hobby. Before she knew it, Tania was ‘mesmerized by mud’ and turning it into wonderful works of Decorative Art and Functional Wares, which she refers to as ‘Clay for display & Everyday use’. Tania’s work has a variety of finishes, from glossy glaze to distressed and whimsical, and the sculptural work all tells a story, starting with a title to a finished piece. Tania enjoys making this Fun & Whimsical Work, & adding a touch of attitude, with strong attention to detail and precision.

Continue reading→

Paying It Forward | Jon Stein | Episode 754

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jon Stein | Episode 754

Jon Stein is a potter and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio. Jon found the potters wheel at fifteen and never looked back. A desire to further his understanding of atmospheric firing led Jon to Utah State University where he completed his MFA. Jon is currently the Education Director at Queen City Clay.

Continue reading→

Being a Potter in Saudi Arabia | Ayshah Almosalam | Episode 753

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ayshah Almosalam | Episode 753

Ayshah Almosalam received her Bachelor of Art Education degree from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia and her Master of Fine Art from Fontbonne University, Montana in the United States. Ayshah went from a teacher’s assistant to a lecturer at Qassim University (2012-2021) teaching drawing, painting, and ceramics for Art Education undergraduate students, as well as administrative work at the Art Education department. Participated in different galleries in Saudi Arabia (paintings).

Continue reading→

Wholesale & Hospitality | Alejandra Mangaña | Episode 752

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Alejandra Mangaña | Episode 752

Alejandra Mangaña is part of the husband and wife duo with her husband Luis who combine contemporary design and art using their experiences as a an influence. Each piece is handmade on the potter’s wheel made with food safe glazes in-house with intention to be part of their customer’s daily routines for a long time.

Continue reading→

Cups & Conversations | Samantha Hostert | Episode 751

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Samantha Hostert | Episode 751

Samantha (Sam) Haster is a potter and educator, originally from Wisconsin and is now living in the Chicago area. Sam makes functional, comfortable, soda-fired pots that she hopes will inspire users to more fully engage with the conversations and interactions of everyday life.

Continue reading→

Everything Was Worth It A The End Of The Day | Bilyana Yankulova | Episode 750

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Bilyana Yankulova | Episode 750

Bilyana Yankulova was born and raised in Bulgaria. Bilyana is an established pottery, graphic and visual artist with 30+ years of experience. Bilyana graduated from an Art High School specializing in ceramics; however Bilyana also received classical training in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Later on Bilyan went to obtain her MA in Ceramics from the National Academy of Arts-Sofia in Bulgaria. Bilyana moved to the United States in 2005 and has been residing in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Bilyana mainly makes her pottery using a throwing technique; however she does like to also use the slab method of building. In the past Bilyana has worked with many different clays, techniques and recently, she has been enjoying working with porcelain and creating all kinds of things from beautiful jewelry to everyday use mugs to bigger sculptures and pieces great for interior and exterior design. All of Bilyana pieces were created with both aesthetic and functionality in mind. Bilyana uses lead-free underglaze and glaze and fires everything at cone 5 and 6.

Continue reading→

An Artist’s Perspective | Caroline Couzens | Episode 749

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Caroline Couzens | Episode 749

Caroline Couzens is both a designer and maker working across interiors and ceramics. Caroline’s aim is always to solve problems, create balance, and achieve beauty. Every project undertaken starts with a materials based approach whether she’s designing a space or indeed an object. Caroline works from her studio in north London.

Continue reading→

Overcoming Fear | Stephanie Washburn | Episode 748

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Stephanie Washburn | Episode 748

Celestial Surf Studio is an extension of Stephanie Washburn as an individual. All of the inspiration and musings Stephanie gathers from the natural world around her are transformed to function. The mystique and charm of Stephanie’s local landscape, allure of crystal formations, and astronomic cycles all influence the pieces Stephanie creates.

Continue reading→