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Jon Almeda | Episode 291
Jon Almeda is a miniature ceramic artist located in Tacoma, Washington. Raised in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest Jon finds inspiration in the ever changing cloud formations in the sky and the movement of the tides. Jon’s practice is a response to the colors, energies, textures and composition of his life. Years ago he came across a book called “Creating Ceramic Miniatures” that dramatically changed his outlook and approach. He went the opposite direction and started to see how small he could throw. He discovered that working small was much harder than he imagined. After 15 years of creating miniatures he is still challenging himself to improve and to try new things with each kiln load. Almeda’s pieces are so impressive because without any scale or context they look exactly like their larger counterpart in detail and proportion.
In 2005 Joshua Flicker completed a BFA in Art Education with an emphasis in ceramics. That same year he moved to Salt Lake City, got married, and accepted a teaching job at Park City High School. He has been enjoying the mountains, sharing his art, and honing his craft ever since.
Born and raised in Humble, Texas, Christopher Melia moved to Corpus Christi in 2001 to extend his education at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Shortly after engaging in ceramic courses offered at the university, he became an apprentice to a local studio potter, William Wilhelmi. In 2006, he received his BFA in Ceramics. He continued to work for Wilhelmi and take additional classes until moving to Denton, Texas for graduate school at the University of North Texas. Chris finished his MFA in 2011. He currently lives in Whitesboro TX with his wife and two sons, teaches at Little Elm High School, and makes work in his home studio.
Noa Weintraub is an artist, and ceramicist based in London, UK. After completing her fine art degree at Chelsea College of Art, Noa launched her handbag label, selling one-off hand-painted handbags to exclusive boutiques and celebrity clients on both sides of the Atlantic. Simultaneously, she also began fashion styling, working closely with iconic art director Judy Blame. In 2007 she then redirected her career back to her fine art roots and became a full time artist and illustrator. Still very much inspired by fashion and her love of vintage, fabrics, textures and patterns, these continue to provide a constant reference point. In 2011 she enrolled onto a ceramics evening class and has not looked back since.
Sharon Greenwood is a full time potter living in Portland, Oregon. She grew up outside of New Orleans and received her BFA from the University of Southern Mississippi in graphic design, with a minor in sculpture. This is where she first learned to love clay. After 15 years in advertising, she took a sabbatical and enrolled in a local clay class. She loved it so much, she decided to retire and start her second career as a potter. She works out of her home studio, creating wheelthrown, handcarved home decor and tableware that are inspired by the Oregon coast and her garden.
San Diego potter, Merle Lambeth, is known for her delicately folded thin slabs of clay,use of textures and green glazes. Each piece shows her attention to detail and finishing. Merle’s training is mainly through attending workshops. She splits her time between creating new work and managing Clay Artists of San Diego, a non-profit clay organization.
Jen Fontanella is a ceramist in Overland Park, Kansas. She makes brightly colored contemporary pieces for the home and garden. Everything is made in small batches honoring the art of handmade. She’s a California native, a mother to a two-year-old, an ethnic food junkie and a craft beer enthusiast.
Mike Flower is a potter and teacher in Los Angeles, CA. Primarily an educator, his days are largely spent running a thriving high school studio that sees 200 students daily. He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. His ceramic work is mostly utilitarian.
Amy Hamley is a ceramicist living and working in Berkeley, California. Her work draws inspiration from her travels and daily hikes around the Bay Area. She lives with her husband, Ryan, and her shih tzu, Perro.