545: Dallas Wooten on creating fluid surfaces

Dallas Wooten makes functional ware decorated with water etched and painted surfaces that melt and blend beautifully during his cone six firings. In our interview we talk about developing techniques to create fluid surfaces, and finding work life balance while running an art center. We also talk about the Princeton Pottery Festival, which Dallas has been instrumental in starting. www.wootenclayworks.com   I’m happy to be taking part in the inaugural Princeton Pottery Festival happening May 3 and 4 at the Princeton Day School in Princeton, NJ. I’ll also have new work at this year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, where I will be a guest of Lucy Fagella April 26th and 27th in Greenfield, MA.   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

MaryMar Keenan is the owner and lead designer of MM Clay, a manufacturer of custom dinnerware in San Francisco, CA. In our interview we talk about her career path to entrepreneurship, working with chefs to design restaurant ware, and increasing production when you have a limited amount of space. www.mmclay.com.   I’m happy to be taking part in this year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, where I will be a guest of Lucy Fagella April 26th and 27th in Greenfield, MA. I’ll also be in the first annual Princeton Pottery Festival, happening at the Princeton Day School May 3rd and 4th. Both events feature an excellent selection of both emerging and established artists. Hope to see you there.   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 Michigan Mud 2025 www.michclay.com

Derek Reeverts is a figure sculptor based in Gainesville, FL, where he is the teaching lab specialist at the University of Florida. In our interview we talk about his use of symbols and tools to depict the midwestern work ethic, teaching students to build and use energy efficient kilns, and the changes the Florida education system has gone through in recent years. www.derekreeverts.com.   Derek is a member of the NCECA Green Task Force, which will be taking part in the project space at this year’s conference. Check out Matt Fiske, Hamish Jackson, and others for a wild clay experience that includes learning how to ethically harvest and process wild clay using materials from Utah. If you will be at the conference this week in Salt Lake City come to one of the live tapings that will be happening throughout the day on March 27th and 28th. Find out more on the NCECA app or www.nceca.net.   I’m happy to be taking part in this year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, where I will be a guest of Lucy Fagella April 26th and 27th in Greenfield, MA. I’ll also be in the first annual Princeton Pottery Festival, happening at the Princeton Day School May 3rd and 4th. Both events feature an excellent selection of both emerging and established artists. Hope to see you there.   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

Lindsey M. Dillon and Donte of Earth Nation join me this week to talk about fan culture, selling ceramics at pop culture conventions, and their podcast The Mud Peddlers. We also talk about Donte’s experience teaching ceramics through his YouTube channel and The Mud Peddlers participation in the NCECA podcast room a few years back. If you will be at this year’s NCECA in Salt Lake City come to one of the live tapings that will be happening throughout the day on March 27th and 28th. This episode is part of a duo, so I want to thank Lindsey and Donte for having me on their show recently. Check out episode 108 of The Mud Peddlers podcast where we talk about the founding of the Brickyard Network and my windy career path in ceramics.  www.lindseymdillon.com www.earthnationceramics.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

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