A Chat With The President of OPA | Noah W Smith | Episode 1226

Melisa of MWY Pottery is a cancer physician, researcher, ceramic artist, and immigrant. As a side saunterer (like a side hustler, but without the hustle), she handbuilds resistance art to advocate for human rights and justice for all. https://ThePottersCast.com/1229

Lucy Be is a full-time potter based in the Northern Rivers of Australia, creating ceramic tableware rooted in tradition and layered with intricate patterning. Informed by a BA (Hons) in Ceramic Design from Central Saint Martins, Lucy's work evokes whimsical nostalgia and has been shown in Australia and the United States. https://ThePottersCast.com/1228

Living and working in Beacon, NY, Jessica Bottalico completed her BFA at MICA and MFA at Rutgers University. Jessica's exhibitions include Schweinfurth Art Center, Super Secret Projects, J Cacciola Gallery, Bronx Community College, Zurcher Gallery, Causey Contemporary, Proto Gallery, and Abrons Arts Center. Jessica teaches art to Middle and High School students. https://ThePottersCast.com/1227

Noah W. Smith is an artist, educator, and community leader based in Portland Oregon. Noah creates work focused on material expression and experimentation in electric kilns, making naturally inspired functional works. He is also the owner of Heirloom Ceramic Studios and the current President of the Oregon Potters Association. https://ThePottersCast.com/1226

Julianna Dunning & Torrey Dasmann were potters at the Ceramic Showcase and they were sharing their booth and it proved to be very helpful for the both of them. In this conversation we talked through the pros and cons of their teaming up for their booth. https://ThePottersCast.com/1225

Ceramic Showcase, put on by Oregon Potters Association, is by far one of the largest ceramic focused shows in North America. It spans 3 days and is attended by well over 10,000 people who all come to see thousands of ceramic works by hundreds of potters. Today we have a discussion with various potters about the booth. Every potter that is out there setting up for shows and fairs and the like will understand many of the thoughts of these Showcase artists. https://ThePottersCast.com/1224

Andrew Sartorius is a wood and soda fire potter living in Germantown, New York. Andrew grew up in West Virginia, found his passion for clay working in rural Japan, and completed an apprenticeship and MFA in The Hudson River Valley. Andrew is the Program Director at The Oki Doki Studio. https://ThePottersCast.com/1223

Bex Walker is a UK-based potter and founder of Throw to Fire. Bex creates wheel-thrown ceramics from stained clay, characterized by a contemporary aesthetic that blends simple elegance with everyday functionality. Bex also teaches other makers about branding, marketing, and selling ceramics sustainably. https://ThePottersCast.com/1222

Anthony Carrillo began his pottery journey in San Diego, CA and is now apprenticing with Simon Levin in Illinois. Anthony's past year has been centered around wood firing, kiln building, and developing a comprehensive body of work. Anthony has assisted in two train kiln builds and helped design and build two small wood-soda kilns. Anthony's playful altered forms display expressive gestural movement and applied textures that interact with the atmosphere in the kiln. https://ThePottersCast.com/1221

Former textile engineer and yoga teacher, Carine Belloc discovered her calling in ceramics inspired by feminine cycles, seasons, and nature. Creating handmade ritual objects, Carine invites women to reconnect with their sacred rhythms and inner power. Carine's creations encourage an authentic, joyful life in harmony with the cycles of life. https://ThePottersCast.com/1220