537: PJ Anderson on smoke firing sculpture

Nathan Murray creates groupings of figure sculptures that explore the intersection of race, class, and culture in America. In our interview we talk about his recent portrait of Malcolm X, which is now installed at the Nebraska state capital, his Color Theory series, and using non ceramic materials to create realistic skin tones. We also discuss his connection to Lincoln, Nebraska where he was raised and has now come back to set down roots. You can read more about Nathan in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors or visit www.nathanmurraystudios.com.   I’ll be teaching two workshops this summer on ceramic surface design. The first will be at UNR Lake Tahoe June 16th-20th. I’ll also be at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA August 14 - 17, 2025. If you are interested in building layers through mark making and pattern, join me on either coast for a week full of experimentation and community. To register visit UNR.edu or www.snowfarm.org.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

Kevin Clancy is an artist and the curator of Ceramics take over Wheeling, a multiday celebration of ceramics in Wheeling, WV happening February 20th-23rd. In our interview we talk about the history of the city, how creative economy can be a catalyst for urban development, and the exhibitions and workshops that make up the event. We also talk about Clancy’s work in fibers deconstructing flags as a basis for social commentary. www.ceramicstakeoverwheeling.com www.americannibalism.com   I’ll be teaching a workshop at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA this summer August 14 - 17, 2025. If you are interested in building layers through mark making and pattern join me for a week full of experimentation and community. To register visit www.snowfarm.org Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Bray Clay www.archiebrayclay.com

Brad Klem’s porcelain forms are decorated with wild life, disposable plastic products, and corporate logos that draw attention to the human impact on climate change. In our interview we talk about the China painting process, using multiple firings to build an image, and making destruction beautiful. We also discuss moving to Denver and working with the La Serra Collective. www.bradleyklem.com.   I’m happy to be returning to Lake Tahoe to teach a workshop this summer at UNR Lake Tahoe. Join me for a low fire soda and surface design workshop June 16th-20th. Register today at UNR.edu.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

Theo Uliano has worn many hats in his career including artist, educator, mason, and now kiln technician. Along with his team of skilled kiln techs Uliano services kilns at schools, art centers, and private studios throughout the tri-state area. In our interview we talk about the questions you need to ask when buying a new kiln, troubleshooting poor kiln performance, and the career arc that led him to be a kiln professional. www.allkilnservices.com   I’m happy to be returning to Lake Tahoe to teach a workshop this summer at UNR Lake Tahoe. Join me for a low fire soda and surface design workshop June 16th-20th. Register today at UNR.edu.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

PJ Anderson’s figurative sculptures and vessels have rich patinas created through multi-day smoke firings. In our interview we talk about her making process, the influence of sci-fi futurism, and how she teaches students to understand the difference between cultural transmission and appropriation. We also discuss her work in community engagement for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and how maintaining archives address the realities of the past. You can read more about PJ in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors or visit www.pjandersonceramics.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray www.archiebray.org

Brian Nettles is a potter and educator based in Pass Christian, MS, an area that was hit hard by a 35-foot storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. We start our interview talking about the history of ceramics in southern Mississippi and the influence of bayous and cypress swamps on his aesthetic. The second part of the interview focuses on his experience rebuilding his home and studio after Katrina, as well as tips for navigating recovery resources after a natural disaster. In addition to his own studio, he was the Studio Director of Ceramics at the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, MS from 1997-2005. www.nettlespottery.com.   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

Sarah Wells Rolland founded the Village Potters in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC in 2011. The art center housed a community of seven resident potters, as well as dozens of students through their classes and mentorship program. In late September Hurricane Helene turned the French Broad into a raging river that destroyed the Village Potters. In our interview we talk about the history of the art center and their ongoing recovery from catastrophic flooding. You can support The Village Potters recovery efforts on GoFundMe and find out more at www.thevillagepotters.com.   Many thanks to the folks that supported my holiday sale this year. I’m happy to offer listeners free shipping on all pots up until December 16th. To receive this special offer, use the offer code PODCAST at checkout. This offer is good for the listeners in the continental United States. You can shop now at www.carterpottery.com. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

nicole gugliotti joins me on the show today to talk about her path to financial literacy and methods she uses to save for retirement. In our interview we talk about budgeting basics, types of retirement accounts, and the value of having short terms goals to help stay motivated. We also talk about her art practice and living in the Pacific Northwest. https://nicolegugliotticraft.com   My annual holiday sale is now live with over fifty new pots. They make great gifts for your loved ones for the holidays and I’m happy to offer listeners free shipping. To receive this special offer, make a purchase before December 16th at www.carterpottery.com and use the offer code PODCAST at checkout. This offer is good for the listeners in the continental United States. You can shop now at www.carterpottery.com. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

Michelle Im uses low-fire tin glaze to make both vibrant patterned pottery and figurative sculpture. In our interview we talk about her approach and technique for majolica, developing her RatxChicks brand, and her portrayal of familial identity in her sculptural work. You can read more about Michelle in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors or visit www.ratxchicks.club.   My annual holiday sale is now live with over fifty new pots. They make great gifts for your loved ones for the holidays and I’m happy to offer listeners free shipping. To receive this special offer, make a purchase before December 16th at www.carterpottery.com and use the offer code PODCAST at checkout. This offer is good for the listeners in the continental United States. You can shop now at www.carterpottery.com. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

Greg Daly is a master of the luster genre using a reduction kiln to create rich surfaces that depict the Australian landscape. In our interview we talk about how subtle differences in reduction affect luster surfaces, teaching as an act of problem solving, and why collecting other artists work has been important to his development. Greg has had over 100 solo exhibitions, so we also discuss staying motivated over a 50-year career. You can read more about Greg’s work in my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. A big thank you to him for writing about his process and for freely sharing his research. The book is now available where fine books are sold.   My annual holiday sale is now live with over fifty new pots. They make great gifts for your loved ones for the holidays and I’m happy to offer listeners free shipping. To receive this special offer, make a purchase before December 16th at www.carterpottery.com and use the offer code PODCAST at checkout. This offer is good for the listeners in the continental United States. You can shop now at www.carterpottery.com. Happy Holidays!   Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org