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 …

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 m…

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 ro…

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 stud…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss how to tell …

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,…

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, an…

S4E14: Selling Local – Start With One In this episode of The Pin Tool Podcast, we talk about what it means to sell local—starting small, starting close, and starting with just one customer, one connection, one sale. I share three approaches that have worked at Creek Road Pottery: joining or starting a local art trail with other businesses, doing cu…

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 Bulla…

Rose Katz trained as a studio potter before working in industrial ceramics for a decade. In our interview we talk about problem solving for large scale production, how factories deal with switching materials when mines close, and cofounding Ceramic Materials Workshop along with her husband Matt. Rose is also a cohost of For Flux Sake, with Matt and…

Ruth Easterbrook's functional forms are decorated with layers of inlayed glazes that melt into floral patterns. In our interview we talk about her recently finished residency at The Clay Studio, understanding her capacity as a maker, and using repetition to refine the color relationships in her patterns. www.rutheasterbrook.com Thank you to The Cla…

Julie Wiggins carves crisp floral drawings into her forms creating patterns that are inlayed with cobalt pigment. We start our interview comparing musical improvisation to structured play in the studio, along with her love of the band Phish, whom she has seen over 250 times since the mid-1990s. We also discuss traveling for international residencie…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss when and how…

Gillan Doty is an atmospheric potter based in Asheville, NC. Doty lost his studio to catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Helene and is part of the vibrant arts community that is rebuilding in the area. In our interview we talk about how recent residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation and The Clay Studio shifted his aesthetic as he worked with n…

Nancy Servis is a curator, historian, and writer who has spent decades shining light on California and the clay artists that work there. In our interview we talk about the value of regional galleries in educating the public, artists she thinks need more attention in California history, and her experience curating this year's 80th Scripps College Ce…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we delve into the craft, philosophy, and business of creating pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, is a post from a live feed from my substack, The Pottery Dailies The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://cree…

Kyle Triplett pairs hundreds of ceramic elements with digital projections and light works that highlight the human relationship with land and place. In our interview we talk about making site specific work, his interest in blending physical and visual space, and the Morean Ceramic Research Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Triplett is the Morean Distinguish…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss letting go o…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss building com…

Jonathan Eberle joins me on the show today to talk about the life and legacy of his father Ed Eberle (1944-2023). Ed Eberle is best known for his sculptural vessels and paintings that depict cultural archetypes through groupings of figures. In our interview we talk about Ed's time at Carnegie Mellon (1975-1985), Jonathan's role as a legacy holder a…

Free Workshop Replay How to Handbuild A Goblet Cup with Mike Cerv click here to get your replay https://shapingyourpottery.ck.page/14af70bc70 In this episode, Janna dives deep into her pottery journey and the significance of mindfulness in creating art. She discusses the importance of making a good pinch pot, shares her high school beginnings with …

To start our 14th season of the podcast we have a panel featuring guest host Kathy King talking with Dustin Yaeger, Joy Kin, and Connor Czora in front of a live studio audience at this year's NCECA conference in Salt Lake City. Philosopher and educator John Dewey wrote, "The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation th…

In this episode, Nic Torres interviews Sarah Gromek, a talented potter and high school ceramics and art teacher who crafts pottery that looks like leather. Sarah shares her journey of gaining confidence in her work, her initial reluctance towards pottery, and how she embraced pottery through teaching. She also delves into her process for creating l…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bo…

In this episode, Charlie Teft shares valuable insights into evolving as a potter, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique voice and theme in pottery. Charlie discusses techniques like centering without wrist strain for longevity. Charlie recounts his journey from discovering clay in school to developing innovative pottery styles, includi…

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 ha…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we're discussing being overwhelmed. I don’t have it all figured out. Most days, I’m just like you, swimming through resistance, elbowing my way through the chaos, and trying to re…

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 y…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bo…

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 …

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bo…

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…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' Nic Torres interviews Carol Horst, a ceramic artist known for her unique stacking sculptures. Carol shares her perspective on unconventional practices in ceramics, the importance of trusting artistic instincts, and the value of being part of a creative community. She discusses her journey into sculpture, o…

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This episode explores the challenges of reduction firings, show prep, and how the Creek Road Pottery Spring Show 2025 went. Website: https://creekroadpottery.com The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-daili…

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…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres revisits an enlightening interview with Sarah Pike, a renowned potter specializing in slab-built pottery with intricate textures. Sarah shares her journey from her early days in pottery to establishing herself as a full-time artist. Listeners will learn the importance of scheduling consiste…

In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery, host Nic Torres interviews Kelly Witmer, a talented artist known for her unique combination of clay and glass in her pottery. Kelly shares her journey of overcoming rejection, the evolution of her work, and the experimentation that helped her find her distinctive pottery voice. The conversation covers everyt…

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today; we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll talk with my A.I. bo…

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 …

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today; we’re exploring a powerful framework that blends creative recovery, mental resilience, and business strategy. If you've ever felt stuck in your art—whether creatively, emotionally…

In this episode, Nic Torres interviews Sage Morgan, a talented potter known for her sgraffito designs inspired by small creatures and plants. The discussion covers Sage's journey into pottery, starting at age 15, the importance of patience in pottery, and how assistance roles have shaped her skills. Sage explains her unique approach to pottery, inc…

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…

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…

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I discuss with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, the topic of "Peopleing". Understanding people can play an essential role in creating work that matters. C…

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 fo…

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' engages in a conversation with artist and potter Justin Kiene. Justin discusses the importance of creating art that one loves and how this passion shapes more intriguing and unique pieces. Justin shares his journey into pottery, starting from his dabbling in high school to rediscovering pottery through a l…

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where creativity meets organization. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I have a discussion with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, on the tools that help us stay productive—planners and Google Calendar. Whether you’re managing a pottery studio, …

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…

Sarah Wells Rolland founded the Village Potters in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC in 2011. The art center housed a community of seven resident potters, as well as dozens of students through their classes and mentorship program. In late September Hurricane Helene turned the French Broad into a raging river that destroyed the Village Potter…