The Slip Cast

The one and only Helen Levi joins us this week from Queens, New York! We talk about how she transitioned into pottery after studying photography, road tripping across the states to visit ceramic factories, and how her business and practice has shifted over time. Helen tells us about how she began slip casting for the effect, her recent tile collaboration with Cerámica Suro, and her instinctual approach to color. We also discuss the pros and cons of production pottery vs. the artist myth and the benefits of working holistically.Additional topics include: mopping hacks, car kilns, cup clubs, sidewalk sales and Willy Wonka.Stay mushy,Aimee & ClareOur theme music is by Nick Thompson-Brown at @wayitworksmusicRate, review and subscribe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slip-cast/)Support the show

Dustin Barzell from Ceramicism creates intricate cups using a colored clay inlay technique. Inspired by the polymer clay craze of the 90s, he started layering slab-rolled clay at a community studio in Brooklyn before discovering the wonderful world of nerikomi and agateware.Dustin shares with us his process of mixing colored clay and how he constantly comes up with fresh designs to add to his ever-expanding repertoire of inlaid patterns. We also take a dive into the connection between our emotional and physical being through creative outlets, ceramics as a healing journey vs. the intellectual pursuit of being a part-time lawyer, and how improv-based acting (Meisner Technique) restored his artistic framework and influenced his improvised and joy-filled ceramic compositions.Meanderings include discussions about the deliciously rounded letters in "ice cream", chapped lips, newsletter bliss, a wide variety of (unsponsored) platforms that can help you run a business, the irony behind ceramicism.football, and how smiling while you talk can change everything.A thousand flowers,Aimee & ClareOur theme music is by Nick Thompson-Brown at @wayitworksmusicRate, review and subscribe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slip-cast/)Support the show

Alex Simon from Make Good Choices joins us this week from her magical studio in Portland, Oregon. Alex is a sparkle queen who blesses us all with her dream pots, and her dreams include everything from pickles to unicorns to denim! She tells us about her edu'clay'tion and how summer camp continues to inspire her extraordinary studio music videos. Alex also talks about her slip casting process- including assembling both found objects and vintage molds, working backwards from your final idea for a piece, and moving through the production process in stages.  We also learn about investing in your business, gold decal methods and Alex's wonderfully complex relationships with various glues as she continues to bedazzle the world.This episode contains dramatic behind the scenes story telling, heart bursting encouragement, consistent uplifting of community over competition and finding joy in your own brand of magic. Not to be missed!Spread the sparkle,Aimee & ClareOur theme music is by Nick Thompson-Brown at @wayitworksmusicRate, review and subscribe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slip-cast/)Support the show

This episode features the ceramicist  Genna Williams from Genna Williams Ceramics. We talk about her beginnings at SCAD where she studied furniture design, how she founded Broad Studios, a female-operated art collective in Austin, TX, and finding a balance between running a community studio and her own full-time business. Genna goes over the process behind the "smoke firing" technique that she is now known for, how she designs and assembles her lamps, and some exciting upcoming projects, including the launch of a brick and mortar store! Deviations include getting in trouble with the French fire department during her 10-week residency in the south of France, the anatomy of a lamp, ideas seeking "hosts", NCECA, and of course...more talk about promoting a small business on social media.Burn bright,Aimee & ClareOur theme music is by Nick Thompson-Brown at @wayitworksmusicRate, review and subscribe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-slip-cast/)Support the show