417: More than a Maker: Mac McCusker

Join guest host Malene Barnett as she talks with Lydia Thompson, Ashlynn Pope, and David Macdonald about the rich tapestry of ceramics across the Black Diaspora. From the ancestral lands of Africa, to the vibrant Caribbean and the diverse cultures of African Americans, join the panel as they explore the artistic expressions and design aesthetics that are rooted in clay. This conversation was recorded in front of a live studio audience at this year’s NCECA conference in Richmond, VA.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

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 aimed at building equitable and inclusive creative culture. For more visit www.malenebarnett.com. Next week on the show we will broadcast a panel discussion that Malene moderated at this year’s NCECA conference.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

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 for art making has changed over time. To see examples of her work visit www.janebamford.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

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 Greek ceramics, her love of precarity, and her series of submerged vessels. To see examples of her work visit www.cammiestaros.com. Thanks to everyone that came out to our NCECA live tapings. I had a great time meeting listeners and look forward to airing those episodes towards the end of April. Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

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 forms through mold making. His book The Mold-Making Manual weaves personal narrative into practical mold making skills and was just released by the American Ceramics Society in 2024. For more information visit www.plinthgallery.com.   I’m excited to have a live taping of the show at this year’s NCECA conference. Thursday March 21st at 2:30pm Lisa Giuliani and Brian Kakas will join me to talk about the Changing landscape of ceramic education. Directly following at 4:00pm guest Red Clay Rambler host Malene Barnett will record Clay Roots: Exploring Ceramics Across the Black Diaspora - From Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com  

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 School of Art in Philadelphia, PA, where she is an assistant professor. For more information visit www.laurensandlerstudio.com.   I’m excited to have a live taping of the show at this year’s NCECA conference. Thursday March 21st at 2:30pm Lisa Giuliani and Brian Kakas will join me to talk about the Changing landscape of ceramic education. Directly following at 4:00pm guest Red Clay Rambler host Malene Barnett will record Clay Roots: Exploring Ceramics Across the Black Diaspora - From Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas.   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com  

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 living through war in Ukraine. For more information follow @hereandnowpottery on Instagram.   I’m excited to have a live taping of the show at this year’s NCECA conference. Thursday March 21st at 2:30pm Lisa Giuliani and Brian Kakas will join me to talk about the Changing landscape of ceramic education.   The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com  

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 Projects Space, St. Kilda that opens on February 23rd. For more information visit claymatters.com.au.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com  

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 supporting the show.

Today on the show we have a live recording that happened at the 2023 New Clay Conference in Ottawa, ON. The show features presenters Martina Lantin, Zoe Pinnell, Marina Lespérance Lopez, as well as my cohosts Carole Epp and Marianne Chenard from The Kiln Sitters. We discuss the high-risk high-reward nature of ceramics, finding work/life balance as a parent, and the vibrant state of the Canadian ceramic community. A big thanks to Kaitlyn Brennan for organizing the conference and to the Richcraft Theatre tech crew for recording this evening.   On the topic of Canadian ceramics make sure to check out The Great Canadian Pottery Thrown Down which launches February 8th on CBC Gem. The show is executive produced by Seth Rogen and is co-hosted by Brendan Tang, who you will know as the co-host of The Kiln Sitters.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com