Author Archive: Paul Blais

“I’m A Better Person Because Of Clay” | Matthew Gaddie | Episode 1050

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Matthew Gaddie | Episode 1050

Matthew Gaddie’s work exists inside the frame and philosophy of practicality. It communicates the underlying connection Matthew sees between the rural, hard-working days of his youth and the life he want to live as an artist. The cyclical pattern of throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing are comfortable for him. Matthew is a farmed-raised laborer who has wonderful memories of planting, weeding and harvesting.  In the age of quick marts, high speed connections, fast food, one-stop shopping, Matthew tries to live his life slowly and with purpose. In a time of massed produced uniformity, Matthew tries to create works that are unique, each piece having recorded its own tale of creation, a tale of struggles, of successes, of failures, of imperfections and of hopes… it is a human tale.

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A Gatherer of Clay | Cathy Terepocki | Episode 1048

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Cathy Terepocki | Episode 1048

Over the past fifteen years of Cathy Terepocki’s ceramics career she’s had a diverse practice exhibiting, teaching, designing, and producing multiple collections of work. The backdrop of Cathy’s studio is a large expanse of forest, with a river close by and the Cascade Mountains in view on a clear day. The influence of living close to nature is also something that has worked its way into Cathy’s design practice. Cathy is most keenly aware of it in her choice of surface decoration – patterns abstracted from nature, vertical lines that mimic bare trees or grids that reference orchard rows. Glaze surfaces are inspired by mossy fence posts or the speckled smooth matte finish of a river stone.

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Slip Casting | Rachael Kroeker | Episode 1047

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Rachael Kroeker | Episode 1047

Rachael Kroeker is a full time ceramic artist based in Winnipeg, Mb, Canada where she has been creating tableware for over 13 years. Rachael specializes in slip casting and mold making. Along with creating her signature style of marbled pottery, Rachael explores bold colour and pattern combinations. With a modern, contemporary feel and exquisite craftsmanship, Rachael’s pieces are designed to beautify life, and enrich daily routines.

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The Rocket Kiln | Lisa Orr | Episode 1046

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Lisa Orr | Episode 1046

Lisa Orr is a professional potter and has been a student of ceramics for more than 40 years. After completing her MFA in 1992 at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, she received a Fulbright and an MAAA/NEA grant to continue her studies. Her work is shown in numerous public and private collections including the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, and the permanent collection of WOCEF in Korea. A full-time studio potter, she also teaches, lectures, and shows nationally and internationally.

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“It’s Meant To Empower You” | Shannon Hogarty | Episode 1045

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Shannon Hogarty | Episode 1045

Shannon Hogarty, a New York native, is a ceramic artist living and working in Austin, Texas. Shannon’s work combines traditional techniques with contemporary designs, featuring unique surface decoration and vibrant glaze combinations. Shannon is especially passionate about atmospheric firing techniques, with a particular focus on wood firings.
Shannon contributes to the to the Austin arts community through her roles as an educator, studio assistant, and artist in residence.

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From Teaching To Studio To Teaching | Asha Serra | Episode 1044

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Asha Serra | Episode 1044

Asha Serra is a mother to three very cool kids, a wife, and an artist. Her love for clay started in high school, but she didn’t take it seriously until she was well into college. Asha received a BFA and a MFA in ceramics from Montclair State University. Soon after graduating, she became an adjunct professor of ceramics at MSU. After teaching for 4-5 years, she decided to grow her family. Currently, she is juggling motherhood, teaching private lessons at her home, and working on her own art.

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Wood Fire In Olympia | Alan Perillo | Episode 1043

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Alan Perillo | Episode 1043

Alan Perillo is a potter living in Tenino, WA. Alan makes thrown, functional pottery that is wood-fired in his anagama-style kiln. Alan has been throwing pots since high school and studied as an apprentice in North Carolina. Alan is currently a vendor at the Olympia Farmers Market.

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The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown | Andrew McCullough | Episode 1042

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Andrew McCullough | Episode 1042

Andrew McCullough is a studio potter based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. After taking some time away from pottery to further his education–and work in New Brunswick politics–he appeared as a competitor on The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down’s first season. He is now opening a community pottery studio in downtown Fredericton to make pottery more accessible in his area.

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A Scottish Potter | Juliet Macleod | Episode 1041

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Juliet Macleod | Episode 1041

Juliet Macleod makes wheel thrown porcelain decorated with slip. Juliet’s work imparts an evocative exploration of the Scottish coast. Juliet repurposes shoreline waste such as metal, plastic, and rope into handmade tools for abstract mark-making. These tools are used to generate painterly, unique marks which reference coastal landscapes and the effects of changing weather and light.

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