Author Archive: Paul Blais

Responding To The Audience | Rachel Vitko | Episode 1020

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Rachel Vitko | Episode 1020

Rachel Vitko discovered ceramics early on in Highschool where she was introduced to wheel throwing and surface decoration, combining her two loves of illustration and clay. For college Rachel went to MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design) to further her illustration and explore graphic design. Rachel now pulls from those skills when creating her whimsical but functional pieces. Rachel currently resides in her home studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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A Texas Potter And Her Story | Ellen Duvall | Episode 1019

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Ellen Duvall | Episode 1019

As an avid gardener, flora and fauna serve as the main source of inspiration for Ellen Duvall’s explorations in surface design. Beneath a layer of vibrant color, Ellen illustrated functional ware also weaves in personal narrative, finding parallels between the natural world and the human experience. Following a long career as an art educator in public schools, Ellen now works as a full-time ceramic artist in her home studio located outside Austin, Texas.

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A Primitive Potter In Turkey | Toprak Sencer | Episode 1018

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Toprak Sencer | Episode 1018

Toprak Sencer is a ceramist living in the Aegean region of Turkey, specializing in primitive ceramic methods. Toprak is recognized as a pottery artist by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Toprak aims to popularize the primitive methods of pottery.

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Bookkeeping For Potters | Jessie Shaw | Episode 1017

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Jessie Shaw | Episode 1017

Jessie Shaw is a New York based potter specializing in functional kitchen items. Jessie’s forms tend to be simple with glaze adding the interest to the piece. Jessie learned pottery when She was in middle school. Jessie took a break when she went into college and now is back at it, full force.

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An Artist With Clay | Matthew Raw | Episode 1016

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Matthew Raw | Episode 1016

Matthew Raw’s work uses clay to explore community, language, and social history. With a particular focus on ceramic tiles, Matthew often involve social making, and attempts to strike a balance between the historical and future. Matthew has shown and installed work across the United Kingdom, in the United States, and throughout Europe. Matthew’s practice exists between galleries, museums, the public realm, interior design, residencies, and education establishments.

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Being Purposeful | Russell Kingston | Episode 1015

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Russell Kingston | Episode 1015

Russell Kingston’s work is deeply rooted in the North Devon Slipware and country pottery traditions and I hope to make Contemporary Slipware that has a good anchor in tradition, Marrying old techniques with newer ones, the goal of Russel is to be moving forwards while always looking backwards.

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Heroin to Hero | Jenna Collins | Episode 1014

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Jenna Collins | Episode 1014

Jenna Collins is a potter making a difference. Having lived a life that included a long struggle with drugs, Jenna eventually turned her life around. Jenna eventually used her story and clay as a way of helping others get their lives out of the same struggle.

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A Halifax Potter | Peter Eastwood | Episode 1013

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Peter Eastwood | Episode 1013

Peter Eastwood is an artist who studied Ceramics at NSCAD University from 1992 – 1997. Peter found his passion for ceramics under the tutelage of Walter Ostrom and Neil Forrest. After graduating, Peter worked in Continuing Education at NSCAD while starting his own Web and Graphic Design company, Eastwood Design. In 2007, Peter left his job at NSCAD and starting working for himself exclusively. By the summer 2016, Peter starting longing for a more creative outlet in his life and made the decision to invest in his creative passion – ceramics. Ceramics is a life-giving and joy-filling pursuit that gives life.

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Taming Wild Clay | Jack Orgill | Episode 1012

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Jack Orgill | Episode 1012

Jack Orgill, originally from Salt Lace City, Utah,  is currently living in Logan, Utah.  Logan received his associates degree from Tacoma Community College. Jack is currently in his final semester of his BFA degree with an emphasis in ceramics. His passion is collecting clay from the wild and using it for his ceramics.

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Making The Most Of A Residency | Ruth Easterbrook | Episode 1011

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Ruth Easterbrook | Episode 1011

Ruth Easterbrook, studio artist and instructor, creates pottery with complex glazed surfaces. After her BFA at Syracuse University (2007), Ruth gained experience as a production potter, studio assistant, intern, and resident artist. In 2019, Ruth earned an MFA from Alfred University. Currently, Ruth is an Artist in Residence at The Clay Studio Philadelphia. Ruth has received accolades, including NCECA Emerging Artist 2020 and Ceramics. Ruth’s work graces private and museum collections across the USA and internationally.

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