Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast

Ben Carter

Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast features weekly interviews with ceramic artists from around the world. Host Ben Carter talks with potters, sculptors, and designers about their creative practice. www.talesofaredclayrambler.com

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362 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes362

Newest first

July 22 · 42 min
573: Ashton Keen on making thoughtful pottery
Ashton Keen creates sets of pouring pots and dinnerware that have subtle flashes of orange, yellow, and white. In our interview we talk about ways to approach being thoughtful in the studio, making soda fired pots at cone 4, and her residency at Harvard Ceramics. Her solo show All Things Considered is up now through August 7th. To see images follow Ashton on Instagram. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Kiln Fire kilnfire.com
July 8 · 45 min
572: Chelsea McMaster on the ceramic traditions of Antigua
Chelsea McMaster returns to the show to talk about her research into Antiguan ceramic traditions. In 2024 she received a Fulbright-National Geographic Award for her project Wadadli Folk, which aims to preserve the techniques and histories of Antigua's traditional potters. In our interview we talk about makers who continue to craft pots for cooking, the connection to West African techniques, and how her research informs her studio practice. chelseamcmaster.art I'll be at Cornell Studio Supply July 24th-26th for a Low Fire Glaze workshop. We will be talking about the broad spectrum of possibilities that are available in the low fire range, as well as doing a low soda firing in their rocket kiln. To sign up today visit www.cornellstudiosupply.com. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. 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
June 17 · 50 min
571: Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene on the History of Ceramics
Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene join me today to talk about their new podcast The History of Ceramics. We discuss Adelaide Alsop Robineau's life and her masterwork the Scarab Vase, along with how her generation helped create the studio pottery movement in the United States. The podcast is available from your favorite podcast player, but I recommend watching on YouTube or Heni Talks, where you will see images of the works discussed in the episodes. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. 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 Kiln Fire kilnfire.com
May 20 · 57 min
570: Live from Workhouse Arts with Berry, Milgrom, Ulberg, and Alexander
This week's episode features a live show taped at the Workhouse Arts Center with Sarah Berry, Lilianne Milgrom, Kessler Ulberg, and Jason Alexander. We discuss their work in the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International, the art scene in Northern Virginia, and the history of arts at the center, which was a prison for over ninety years. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
May 13 · 46 min
569: Guillermo Guardia on his American Huaco series
This week we return to a series featuring artists from the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International. Guillermo Guardia joins me to talk about how his experience with immigrating to the United States and teaching in public schools has shaped his American Huaco series. In the series he decorates pre-Columbian ceramics vessels from Peru with images highlighting political and social issues. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
April 28 · 52 min
568: Eric Rempe on developing infrastructure and curriculum for high schools
Eric Rempe has been teaching high school ceramics for over 20 years. In our interview we talk about building the infrastructure and curriculum for Coronado High School in California and the Princeton Day School in New Jersey. We also discuss his exploration of form, which has been influenced by color blindness, and his role in cofounding the Princeton Pottery Festival. Along with eleven other artists Eric will be presenting new work as part of this year's Princeton Pottery Festival happening this weekend May 2nd and 3rd 2026. www.rempepottery.com Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
April 8 · 41 min
567: Jillian Mae Seversky and Josh Goering
This week we are continuing a series featuring artists I chose for the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International. I was honored to jury the show this year and wanted to highlight two emerging artists Jillian Mae Seversky and Josh Goering. In our interview we discuss their approach to sculpture and pottery, and how they refine ideas though a body of work. To coincide with the exhibition, I'll be teaching a two-day hands-on workshop at the Workhouse Arts Center April 11th and 12th. There will also be a live taping of the podcast and reception April 11th that is free to the public. If you are in the greater DC area I'd love to see you there. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
March 25 · 42 min
566: Chelsea McMaster and Stephen Earp
This week we start a series featuring artists chosen for the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International. I was honored to jury the show this year and wanted to highlight a selection of the artists that submitted exceptional work to the exhibition. Today I talk with Chelsea McMaster and Stephen Earp. In our interview we discuss the technical and conceptual aspects of their studio practices and the role of the artist in cultural evolution. To coincide with the exhibition, I'll be teaching a two-day hands-on workshop at the Workhouse Arts Center April 11th and 12th. There will also be a live taping of the podcast and reception April 11th that is free to the public. If you are in the greater DC area I'd love to see you there. Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
March 11 · 51 min
565: Sam Briegel on the connection between the vessel and the body
Sam Briegel layers slip cast, printed, and painted fabric patterns on elegant porcelain forms. In our interview we talk about the vessel as a metaphor for the body, the challenges of working with halloysite clays, and how her decorative process has become more refined over time. Sam will be presenting new work as part of this year's Princeton Pottery Festival happening May 2nd and 3rd 2026. www.samanthabriegel.com Have you checked out the Tales from the Vault podcast feed? Become a supporter on Patreon to gain access to dozens of episodes that are no longer available on major podcast apps. To make your donation go to patreon.com/redclayrambler. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
February 25 · 49 min
564: More than a Maker: Mike Griffin
This week on the podcast we return to our series More than a Maker, which focuses on the intersection of mental health and creativity. Today's guest Mike Griffin is based in Naples, NY where he has dual careers as a golf pro and ceramic artist. In our interview we talk about his hand building process, the ways creativity counter balances ADHD, and dealing with self-doubt in the studio. Mike is also the host of Between Two Ewers, a video podcast where he interviews ceramic artists while they make work together. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program www.snowfarm.org
February 12 · 47 min
563: Erin Lambers on setting up a business for the long haul
After starting her career as a wholesale potter Erin Lambers moved back to her home town and bought a ceramic supply store. In our interview we talk about her philosophy of blending education and sales, the practical aspects of running a store with 6,000 products, and how to set up a business for the long haul. Lambers has run Cornell Studio Supply for the last fifteen years, and the store celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. www.cornellstudiosupply.com Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program www.snowfarm.org
January 28 · 50 min
562: Lisa Naples on embracing change in Grounded in Gold
After many years as a functional potter Lisa Naples has embraced figurative and nonobjective sculpture. In our interview we discuss how she anthropomorphizes animals to show shifting relationships and identities, as well as the use of gold as a way to embody the divine in her recent exhibition Grounded in Gold. The exhibition was on display this fall at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA. www.lisanaples.com Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program www.snowfarm.org
January 14 · 56 min
561: Beth Lo and Julia Galloway on their approach to narrative
Beth Lo and Julia Galloway are artists and educators that have helped shape ceramic education at the University of Montana. In our interview we talk about their approach to narrative, moving between bodies of work, and the value of taking on long term projects. They will be co-teaching a workshop next month at the Morean Workshop Space in St. Petersburg, FL. www.bethlo.com juliagalloway.com moreanworkshopspace.org Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Dec 23, 2025 · 48 min
560: David Eichelberger on working with intention
David Eichelberger's career has included time as a studio potter, professor, designer, and community educator. Today we focus on his personal studio practice hand-building serving platters and his role as designer for Two/One Ceramics alongside his wife, artist Elisa Di Feo. In our interview we discuss how working with bisque ring molds allows him to bring a new level of attention to his forms, as well as the collaborative aspects of design. In addition to his studio practice Eichelberger is the director of the Marlboro Studio School offering craft instruction in Marlboro, VT. twooneceramics.com I'm happy to be serving as juror for the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International Exhibition. The exhibition highlights functional and sculptural ceramic artwork being created throughout the US and abroad. To be considered submit your entry by January 11th. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Dec 13, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
559: Wayne Higby and Benjamin Evans on Alfred ceramic history
Wayne Higby and Benjamin Evans co-curated the retrospective History: A Legacy in Motion, Alfred Ceramic Art 1900 – 2025, which showcases twenty-six artists that have taught ceramics at Alfred University. In our interview we talk about Charles Binns and the early days of Alfred ceramics, as well as the contributions the school and its faculty have made to the development of studio ceramics in America. Higby taught ceramics at Alfred for more than five decades and was the Director and Principal Curator of the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum that was completed in 2016. Evans now directs the museum, which fulfills its mission through rotating exhibitions and stewardship of a vast ceramic collection. I'm happy to be serving as juror for the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International Exhibition. The exhibition highlights functional and sculptural ceramic artwork being created throughout the US and abroad. To be considered submit your entry by January 11th. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Nov 27, 2025 · 53 min
558: Aysha Peltz on stretching the boundaries of porcelain
Aysha Peltz stretches and darts porcelain into volumetric forms, which she then enhances with glazes that pool and break off high points. In today's interview we talk about pushing porcelain to its limits, learning to self-edit, and the symbiotic relationship between her studio practice and teaching at Bennington College, VT. We also discuss her role in cocurating The Old Church Pottery Show, happening December 5th-7th, in Demarest, NJ. www.ayshapeltz.com I'm happy to be serving as juror for the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International Exhibition. The exhibition highlights functional and sculptural ceramic artwork being created throughout the US and abroad. To be considered submit your entry by January 11th. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Nov 13, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
557: Josh Copus on creative entrepreneurship
Josh Copus's career started in ceramics with a focus on functional pottery made with wild North Carolina clays and wood firing. In recent years his creativity has evolved into many forms of entrepreneurship, including hotel and restaurant ownership and founding an artist collective. In our interview we talk about his roots in Floyd, VA and how studio ceramics helped him understand the principles of business. We also discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Marshall, NC, Copus's home town and hub of his business. www.joshcopus.com Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Oct 29, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
556: David MacDonald on the Pan-African aesthetics in his work
This week we have a special two-part interview with renowned artist and educator David MacDonald. His large functional vessels are carved with intricate patterns that highlight and celebrate African heritage. For part two of my interview with David we talk about finding an entry into African aesthetics, the formal aspects of his repeating patterns, and how the use of functional objects in daily rituals can imbue them with spirituality. MacDonald is a Professor Emeritus of Ceramics at Syracuse University where he taught from 1971 to 2008. www.davidmacdonaldpottery.com Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Oct 22, 2025 · 46 min
555: David MacDonald on the influence of the Civil Rights Movement
This week we have a special two-part interview with renowned artist and educator David MacDonald. His large functional vessels are carved with intricate patterns that highlight and celebrate African heritage. In part one of our interview David talks about discovering ceramics at Hampton University in the 1960's, the influence of Joseph Gilliard, and his early-career art that reflected the social change of the Civil Rights Movement. MacDonald is a Professor Emeritus of Ceramics at Syracuse University where he taught from 1971 to 2008. www.davidmacdonaldpottery.com Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com
Oct 10, 2025 · 45 min
554: Susan Dewsnap on using wax resist in surface design
Susan Dewsnap uses resists to paint seemingly endless curves that move and undulate around her forms. In our interview we talk about digesting visual influences, her exploration of line weight in painting, and the ceramic scene around Maine, where she is a faculty member at Bates College. We also discuss the upcoming exhibition of the E. John Bullard Collection at the Bates Museum of Art, which opens October 24th. www.susandewsnap.com. Today's episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: Monkey Stuff www.monkeystuff.com The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com

Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast

573: Ashton Keen on making thoughtful pottery

572: Chelsea McMaster on the ceramic traditions of Antigua

571: Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene on the History of Ceramics

570: Live from Workhouse Arts with Berry, Milgrom, Ulberg, and Alexander

569: Guillermo Guardia on his American Huaco series

568: Eric Rempe on developing infrastructure and curriculum for high schools

567: Jillian Mae Seversky and Josh Goering

566: Chelsea McMaster and Stephen Earp

565: Sam Briegel on the connection between the vessel and the body

564: More than a Maker: Mike Griffin

563: Erin Lambers on setting up a business for the long haul

562: Lisa Naples on embracing change in Grounded in Gold

561: Beth Lo and Julia Galloway on their approach to narrative

560: David Eichelberger on working with intention

559: Wayne Higby and Benjamin Evans on Alfred ceramic history

558: Aysha Peltz on stretching the boundaries of porcelain

557: Josh Copus on creative entrepreneurship

556: David MacDonald on the Pan-African aesthetics in his work

555: David MacDonald on the influence of the Civil Rights Movement

554: Susan Dewsnap on using wax resist in surface design