306: Fall Fund Drive: James Whiting on creating a healthy studio environment and new music from The Painted Horses

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an
interview with ceramic artist James Whiting. After living in
Japan for many years he developed a love for ceramics that guided
him into his own studio practice. James makes hand built vessels
that are finished with nerikomi, embossing, and other compelling
surface techniques. He is also the director of the Berkeley
Potter’s Studio, which has grown from 25 to 425 members during
his tenure. In the interview we talk about best practices for
safety, staffing and member growth in a community studio. For
more information on James visit www.jameswhitingceramics.com.


 


To start the show, we also have a new song from The Painted
Horses. Their self-titled album was just released including the
song All the Pines in the West, which is featured on today’s
show. For more information visit www.thepaintedhorsesmusic.com
and listen back to episode 134 of the podcast, which features an
interview and live-in-studio performance.


 


For today’s AMACO Community Corkboard we have the Berkeley
Potter’s Studio Holiday Sale happening December 6-8th. The sale
features work by over fifty participating artists and takes place
at their location at 1221 8th Street in Berkeley, Ca. For
more info visit www.berkeleypottersstudio.com. I’d like to thank
Amaco/Brent for sponsoring the community corkboard. Brent
Equipment is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and
have created a Limited Edition Black CXC wheel. For more
information visit www.amaco.com.


 


Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, the most common feedback I get from
you is that this podcast helps you feel connected to other
artists. We live in a divided time and many of us are working by
ourselves in solitary studios. The podcast combats that feeling
of isolation by fostering a sense of community, while also
providing an archive of our field. At this point our Patreon
sustaining membership program and our sponsors contribute less
than half of our monthly budget of $2000, which goes to
promotion, production costs, and labor. My wife and I kick in the
rest, which we do out of love for the project, but as you can
imagine we could really use your help. The goal of our Fall Fund
Drive is to raise $12,000 for the next year.


 


I care deeply about this community, and I think art and making
are vital to our world, now more than ever. I’m guessing you feel
the same, so if you are able please donate to the show. Recurring
donations are best because it allows us to create a stable
budget, but one-time donations are also very helpful. You can
find out more about these two options at
www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/donate. Before I go, I want to ask
one more favor. After you make your donation ask a friend to
match your pledge with their own. Word of mouth is the best call
to action, so I ask that you help me, by encouraging your friends
and studio mates to support the show. With your help I can keep
producing the interviews you have come to love.