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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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How do you find a good residency?
So all the residencies I have applied for there was something that was very attractive in that particular experience and they were very much to the time in my life. So at Anderson Ranch I did that at a time when I was building my portfolio for grad school and it was to work with my mentor and to use the kiln and really push all the forms. When I was graduating I was not sure what to do next and so big part of what to do next is to look at what opportunities are there. It was wonderful when I got the Harvard Ceramics because that was what to do next.
So the way to find a good residency is first to know what you need out of the residency?
Absolutely. So seeking what it is that you are looking for.
You talked about applying via paperwork etc, but is it important to try and get one on one contact with anyone?
I didn’t find the person of contact in any case the most important thing. It’s the knowing where you want to go and as far as the application paper work is your photographs, having really good clear, clean photographs. Your portfolio is really important.
When you are going to a residency what type of skills are you expected to have?
I think once again this varies on the place but in most cases there has to be a self-driven…you are going in as an independent artist and as far as especially your ability to make ends meet and use your time in the studio well. That’s important that you have those skills. As far as what you are doing while you are there, that is very independent and individual. So having the skills to show up for yourself and using the studio time, that is the most important.
So you need to have specific goals going in?
Yes, and that’s a good thing to put in your application. The more clear you can be about that then whoever it goes to can be, Okay this person has a plan and will use this time well. So yes, having a plan to use the opportunity is really important.
With most residencies is there a mentorship part of the relationship that you have there?
I had a special case when I was at Anderson Ranch where I had already been there before as a summer intern and I had a mentorship relationship with Doug Casebeer so it kind of came with the residency but that is something that would be inmost cases. It’s much more a residency that has fellow artists.
You are on your third residency. Do you feel that the residencies have been able to more clearly define your identity as a maker, as an artist?
I think the residencies have been so supportive for that identify as I build it. They have just been a really important kind of opportunity each one that I feel supported while I figure stuff out. That as an artist is so important to have.
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Instagram: @ruth.easterbrook