Creativity In Minnesota | David Swenson | Episode 1089

Yesha Panchal was born in Gujarat, India, and is currently living in Suwanee, GA. Yesha earned her BFA with a concentration in ceramics at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Yesha is currently a ceramics studio manager at the Hudgens Center for Art in Duluth, GA, an organizer of the Clay to Table, serves on the board of NCECA, and is a maker. Yesha's article “Working Potter” and work were published in “Thoughts on Collaboration” in the June/July/August 2022 issue of Ceramics Monthly https://ThePottersCast.com/1102

As a sensitive and intuitive person, working with clay is a perfect fit for John Ellefson. Clay slabs are minutely sensitive to the slightest touch, allowing John to create the subtle forms that he loves. It’s incredibly satisfying for John to breathe life into clay through touch. https://ThePottersCast.com/1101

Erin Louise Clancy is a ceramic artist based in Queens, New York, with over 25 years of restaurant experience and a BFA in printmaking. Focusing on collaborative custom work, Erin's pieces unite these influences with functional design. http://ThePottersCast.com/1100

Rachael Sewell is a ceramic artist and candle maker based near Bristol, in the South West of England. After graduating in 2020 with a degree in Buying and Merchandising, Rachael combined her business acumen with her creative passions, launching a line of sculptural candles in 2021. Driven by a desire to explore new mediums, Rachael soon discovered her love for pottery during an intensive course, which ignited her current practice in ceramics. Rachael’s work is a playful yet thoughtful exploration of artistry and everyday utility. https://ThePottersCast.com/1099

Jennifer Waverek has 30+ years of experience in brand strategy and graphic design, working both in-house and as a principle partner in her own creative agency. Jennifer is worked for fortune 500 companies such as Martha Stewart Living, Clinique, and Donna Karan to local boutiques and art collectives. Jennifer holds a BA in Visual Arts and Art History from Columbia University. Jennifer has shown work in the disciplines of painting, printmaking, graphic design, and handbuilt ceramics. Jennifer is the creative director and brand strategist behind BKLYN CLAY. https://ThePottersCast.com/1098

Until age 40 Andrew Cooke was a car body repair technician until he was forced out of his career due to being diagnosed with arthritis. Andrew then went back to art as therapy and, after a foundation in fine and applied art, Andrew completed his degree in 2013 in University of Ulster in Belfast. https://ThePottersCast.com/1097

Terri Kern received her MFA in 1991. Terri left teaching to open her own studio. Terri has exhibited internationally, been featured in ceramics publications, received awards, artist grants, nominations, started a teaching website, had work on the Great Pottery Throw Down, and is now showing at the Taft Museum of Art. https://ThePottersCast.com/1096

Hannah Simpson Studio, established in 2020, serves as a creative haven for Hannah Simpson, providing an escape from the demands of everyday life. For Hannah, creativity has long been a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to navigate and control her emotions. With her work, Hannah aims to spread joy to others. https://ThePottersCast.com/1095

Shana Salaff is a potter, painter, writer, and teacher who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she teaches at Front Range Community College. Originally from Toronto, Shana has also lived, worked, and studied in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fullerton, California. Shana has participated in residencies in Fort Colllins, Bali, and Maine. https://ThePottersCast.com/1094

Jonathan Walberg's techniques and methods are influenced by his apprenticeship at St. John’s Pottery in Minnesota (2004-06) under Richard Bresnahan, studies in Karatsu, Japan (2006-10) and in Ulsan, Korea (2010).  These experiences nurtured a love of clay, the use of local materials, clay history, and wood-kilns. Jonathan creates on a Japanese-style wooden kick wheel and processes local clays and ashes for pottery use just south of Bayfield in Washburn, WI. Jonathan uses beach-sand from the South Shores of Lake Superior mixed into porcelain. This creates random black spots from the iron-rich sand. The local clay is also iron-rich and is mixed into the clay or glaze creating rich dark greens, reds, browns and blacks. Jonathan makes traditional ash-glazes from local Maple and Oak trees. https://ThePottersCast.com/1093