Today on the show I talk with Malene Barnett. Her multimedia career spans design, studio art, and activism focusing on the influence and aesthetics of the black diaspora. In our interview we talk about designing textiles and interiors, taking a sabbatical to dive deep into ceramics, and founding the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a collective aim…

Nic Torres discusses the impact of keeping a journal or sketchbook for pottery, detailing his personal experience with journaling and how it has facilitated his creative process. Initially resistant due to the time commitment, Nic found that replacing idle time with journaling helped him organize his tasks, set monthly goals, and brainstorm ideas t…

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into Customer Relationships, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Ch…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres shares insights on how treating pottery like a regular nine to five job can dramatically improve your craft. The idea, inspired by a conversation with full-time potter Ron Philbeck, suggests setting a dedicated daily work schedule for pottery, whether it's the whole day or just a couple of …

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kim Canfield, a potter renowned for her baby face mugs among other pottery works. Kim shares her journey from intending to pursue exercise science and PT to discovering her passion for pottery and ceramics due to sports-related injuries. Working in children’s hospitals influenced her profoundly, i…

This episode features an enlightening conversation with Ron Philbeck, a renowned potter known for his quirky and illustrated pottery. Ron shares his journey into pottery, beginning from his post-college years to becoming a full-time potter. He highlights the importance of routine, passion, and authenticity in his practice, emphasizing how treating …

Today on the show I talk with Jane Bamford. She creates ceramic sculptures and environmental prosthesis that are placed in nature to help rebalance the Australian ecosystem. In our interview we talk about the pressure climate change is putting on the Tasmanian landscape, working with scientists to create environmental design, and how her motivation…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres', Nic shares his personal experience with his first mug sale, which resulted in zero sales, leading to disappointment and frustration. However, Nic views this as a valuable learning opportunity, advocating for a positive mindset towards failure. He suggests that failure to sell can be attribu…

In this insightful episode, our guest is Ana Shioshita, a multifaceted artist who balances her job in the film industry with her passion for pottery. Ana discusses her journey in pottery, starting from childhood experiences to her current work, emphasizing her love for making 'drippy' vases. She shares how working across different mediums and skill…

This episode of 'Shape Your Pottery' features an in-depth conversation with Eva Funderburgh, an exceptional pottery artist known for her unique sculpture creatures. Host Nic Torres explores Eva's journey from her earliest encounters with pottery in school to her decision to pursue art over science, leading to the development of her distinctive scul…

The importance of doing small alterations repeatedly to discover one's unique voice in pottery. Instead of striving for grand, extravagant changes, the speaker advises potters to focus on tiny adjustments, such as altering the shape of a pot or the design of a handle, to create something individualistic. The episode challenges listeners to reflect …

This Episode features an interview with Sonita Cannon who shares her journey from a high school art class discovery of ceramics to becoming a full-time potter with her own home studio and unique voice in the craft. Throughout the conversation, the importance of supportive people, from teachers to peers and family, is highlighted as a critical compo…

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the idea of pottery as a vocation, as discussed in the video "Elizabeth Gilbert on Distinguishing Between Hobbi…

Today on the show I talk with sculptor Cammie Staros. From her studio in L.A. she blends Helenic aesthetics with modernism in her ceramic, neon, and stone work. Her series of black figure terracotta vessels move and bend like a wavy mirage from ancient Athens captured in the present moment. In our interview we talk about the influence of classical …

This Episode features an interview with potter Don Ricardo, who shares insights into his pottery journey, emphasizing experimentation, fun, and the essence of enjoying the process over commercial success. He reveals how he started pottery to create specific containers for his plants and how this led to a broader appreciation for his unique creation…

In this episode, Nic Torres delves into the significance of revisiting old ideas to enhance pottery skills and find one's unique voice. He cites an interview with Eva Funderburgh, who emphasized the benefits of repetition and returning to past ideas. Funderburgh shares an anecdote from her first show in Switzerland, where struggling for new ideas l…

This episode features a deep dive into the life and creative process of Meredith Skyer, a potter who finds inspiration in exploring various art mediums and incorporates them into her pottery. Meredith discusses her lifelong fascination with creatures not of this world and how it influences her work, leading her to create pottery that blends functio…

Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter And Get Weekly Pottery Tips shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres has an in-depth conversation with Potter Terri Erasmus. Terri shares her journey into pottery, emphasizing the importance of starting without waiting for perfect conditions, embracing cust…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres,' the significance of seeking outside feedback for pottery is discussed. Nic shares a story about his friend, Sarah Connor, who faced challenges with her pottery endeavors, highlighting how external opinions helped her reassess and improve her work. Nic emphasizes the value of feedback in ide…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres', explore ways to regain your motivation for pottery when you're feeling disconnected from your studio. Acknowledging the commonality of such phases, Nic shares personal experiences and tips from Annie Christbergs about overcoming the lack of desire to create. Key advice includes allowing you…

In this episode, the host Nic Torres delves into the thoughtful process of selecting personalized pottery gifts for those we admire, inspired by the concept of impactful interactions as mentioned in Tim Ferriss's 'Tools of Titans'. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering the preferences and experiences of others while creating potte…

This episode features Luke Bonecutter, a potter inspired by space and retrofuturism, who shares his journey from struggling with wheel throwing in high school to finding his unique voice in pottery. Luke discusses the transition from working with drippy glazes to embracing underglazes and brighter colors, inspired by his interest in maximalism and …

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Channels, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game C…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery' featuring Casey Stelter, a potter known for her work tailored to the 'feral maximalist', listeners get valuable insights into finding one's passion and voice in pottery. Casey shares her journey from exploring pottery as a hobby with her husband to committing full-time to her craft amidst the challenges of …

Today on the show I talk with artist and Plinth gallery owner Jonathan Kaplan. Over more than fifty years in ceramics he has worked as a studio potter, manufacturer of commercial ceramics, and gallery owner. In our interview we talk about investing in yourself, knowing when change is needed to avoid burnout, and how Kaplan approaches geometric form…

In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery, host Nic Torres emphasizes the importance of seeking and embracing external feedback for pottery improvement. He discusses how feedback can come from various sources such as family, friends, social media, or fellow potters. Despite the possibility of encountering negative comments, Nic encourages potters to …

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery' hosted by Nic Torres, the focus is on the vital importance of caring for your customers in the pottery business. The discussion emphasizes how engaging with and valuing customer feedback has been instrumental for Teri in selling her pottery and guiding the direction of her work. Teri exemplifies this by act…

In this episode, Nic discusses the significance of articulating your thoughts and preferences concerning pottery, drawing on insights from an interview with Luke Bone Cutter. Nic explains that understanding and expressing why you like certain aspects of pottery, whether it's colors, shapes, or techniques, can not only deepen your appreciation of ot…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery', potter Kym Owens shares her personal journey from ballet dancer to becoming a successful potter, offering advice for aspiring artists on perseverance, mentorship, and creativity. Kim discusses the importance of embracing failure, seeking mentorships, and engaging with the pottery community, whether locally…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres interviews Leigh Weinberg, a potter inspired by children's books, who shares her journey of finding her unique voice in pottery. Lee discusses the evolution of her pottery skills, the importance of being authentic, and her unconventional methods of selling pottery. She emphasizes the role o…

Today on the show I talk with artist and educator Lauren Sandler. In her current body of work she drapes stacked vessels with beads, beans, and other objects to tell broader economic and cultural narratives. In our interview we talk about her anthropological approach to materials, adornment through accumulation, and mentoring students at the Tyler …

In this podcast episode, host Nic Torres discusses how he incorporated five different pottery techniques into his own work. He emphasizes the importance of observing other people's pottery, but adapting and shaping them based on personal preferences rather than blindly copying them. He uses the examples of sculpting and underglazing techniques he a…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery', host Nic Torres shares insights gleaned from his interview with prominent Potter, Casey Stelter. Casey enjoys slip casting because it allows her to focus more on the design and finishing aspects of pottery, which she finds most exciting. Using her experience, Nic suggests that in order to make pottery more…

Developing and Trusting Your Instincts in Pottery In this episode, Nic Torres discusses the importance of trusting one's instincts, especially in pottery. He shares personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate his points, highlighting a particular instance where going against his instincts led to a piece breaking. He emphasizes that gut feelings a…

An Interview with Corey Dewitt In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery', host Nic Torres hosts Corey Dewitt, a Potter known for his fantasy-inspired Tiki mugs. Throughout the conversation, Corey highlights the importance of community in his ceramics journey, discusses his inspirations, and explains the reasoning behind his pre-order sales approach…

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Revenue Streams, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries,…

In this engaging episode, potter Nicola Moore (also known as Nic) shares her journey in the craft, along with the keys to developing one's unique style. She highlights her love of making pottery, experiments in microwave firing, and her decision to go full-time with her passion. Showing her keen interest in various painting styles and glaze types, …

Today on the show I talk with author, activist, and artist Yuliya Makliuk. She recently published Potters Save the World: Learn to make sustainable ceramics and help protect the Earth. Our interview focuses on understanding the carbon footprint of ceramic production and materials. In addition to sustainability, we also discuss Yuliya’s experience l…

Nic Torres highlights the importance of breaking away from routine to foster creativity in pottery making. He shares an anecdote of Nicole Dacey, who found inspiration after a trip to Joshua Tree during COVID-19 lockdown. Torres stresses the importance of taking breaks from normal everyday stuff to allow new ideas to flow and avoid getting stuck in…

In this episode, Nic Torres shares three essential factors to consider in developing a unique 'pottery voice'. The first is making time to regularly work in the studio, which is deemed as nearly half the journey. The second is focusing on shapes, which can introduce a wide variety of ideas for personal pottery expressions. To do this, Nic recommend…

five places where potters can connect with each other, including markets, events, workshops, communities, and social media. Each location provides opportunities for potters to meet, network, and learn from others within the pottery community. 00:00 Introduction: Connecting with Other Potters 00:21 Place 1: Markets 00:57 Place 2: Events 02:05 Place …

In this episode Leslie Levings, a writer, sculptor, and potter. Leslie talks about her journey in pottery and how she combines her skills in writing, sculpting, and pottery into one. She discusses the significance of finding a creative community and her struggles with her inner critic. Levings shares how she uses her love for mythology and storytel…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery', Nic Torres interviews Adam Rush, a sculptor turned potter, renowned for incorporating faces into functional pottery. Adam shares his journey from sculpting to pottery, inspired by a show called 'Great Pottery Throwdown'. He discusses the challenges he faced in mastering pottery, largely requiring him to le…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery' with Nic Torres, he challenges potters to step beyond their comfort zones and try different pottery techniques. Nic discusses how sticking to one technique or method can limit creativity and growth. He presents examples of how exploring alternate methods can broaden the range of styles and techniques a pott…

Today on the show I talk with three members of Clay Matters, an Australian group that advocates sustainable environmental practices in ceramic studios. Jane Sawyer, Claire Ellis, and Amelia Black talk about reusing ceramic waste and building awareness of where ceramics materials are sourced. Clay Matters will have an exhibition at the Linden Projec…

The show takes an in-depth look at the philosophy, influences, and journey of Potter, Shikha Joshi. Shikha discusses her fascination with wood-fired pottery, her love for pottery derived from nature, and how she moved from being a hobbyist to running a pottery business. She shares her journey experimenting trying to recreate the wood fired look in …

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Value Propositions, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionari…

Join The Free Shaping Our Pottery community click here to join Todays Episode features an interview with pottery artist Katie Bramlage, who discusses her journey in pottery, the influence of her background, the importance of resourcefulness, and her passion for teaching pottery. She also talks about her unique totem theme pottery and the process be…

In this episode, Nic Torres talks about the importance of learning to say no in pottery. He shares personal experiences and insights on how saying no can lead to creative freedom and better results in pottery projects. Join The Free Shaping Our Pottery Community by clicking here shapingyourpottery.com/community…

Today on the show my wife Melissa joins me for a listener mailbag. We give a few life updates before answering questions about how to price time consuming work, and ways we can create joy in difficult times. To help us celebrate our 500th episode donate $5 on Paypal, or become a patron on Patreon. Many thanks for listening along the way and for sup…