Today, Bob Acton introduces us to South African–born ceramic artist Susan Trimble who creates joyful, nature-inspired work from her Brisbane studio. After a long career in graphic design, she discovered clay in 2020 and quickly developed a distinctive practice shaped by painting, mark-making, and mentorship under artist Jane du Rand. A 2024 solo exhibitor and finalist in the North Queensland Ceramic Awards,You can find her work at https://www.susantrimbleart.com.au/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/susantrimble.artist/
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Nichole Windblad - Head of Calgary Art Market
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Nicole Windblad, the creative force behind the Calgary Art Market.Nicole isn’t just curating a show; she’s shaping opportunities. As someone who runs one of the most respected art markets in Alberta, she understands what makes artists stand out, what helps them succeed, and yes—what can hold them back. She, and her family, have many years of experience operating this show so she has great wisdom for artists and makers of all sorts.In this conversation, you’ll hear what Nicole looks for when selecting artists, how she evaluates applications, and the do’s and don’ts every artist should know when they’re trying to secure a spot in a major show.
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Clay Meets Fashion: Emily Holmes from Los Angeles
Today, Bob and Zana interview ceramic artist and designer Emily Holmes on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast, who joins us from Los Angeles to talk about her practice of transforming familiar, textile-like forms into ceramic keepsakes. Emily’s background in Art Therapy at the Art Institute of Chicago shaped her early relationship with clay as a tool for healing, and later led her to open her studio full-time after relocating to LA.You can find out more about Emily at https://www.emilyholmesceramics.com/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/emilyholmesceramics/And more about Bob at bobactonceramics.com and Zana at https://www.instagram.com/zanaoheart/
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Peter Beard: A UK-based ceramic sculptor
Today's podcast introduces Peter Beard. Peter first discovered clay as a kid, and that early fascination never really left him. While studying industrial and furniture design at Ravensbourne College of Art in London, he found himself spending more and more time in the ceramics department. After graduating, he helped set up a pottery in Scotland making domestic stoneware, and not long after, opened his own studio in Kent where sculpture became his main focus.These days, Peter works from his studio in Leamington Spa, creating stoneware pieces that are both thrown and hand-built. He fires in oxidation to around 1280°C, building up layers of coloured clays and matte glazes, using wax resist and surface grinding to reveal these intricate, textured patterns underneath.He’s also worked in bronze and stone, and has been exhibiting his work since the mid-70s, both in Britain and internationally. What I love most about Peter’s approach is how design precision meets quiet emotion. Each piece feels carefully considered but deeply human.You can find his work on his website at https://peterbeard.co.uk/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/peterbeardceramics/
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Miae Kim: Korean born, London-based ceramic artist
I’m excited to welcome Miae Kim—a London-based ceramic artist originally from South Korea. After a career in animation and VFX in L.A., she fell in love with clay at Glendale College and never looked back. Miae is known for two threads: sculptural pieces inspired by whales—symbols of wisdom and endurance—and work that blends Korean motifs and Hangul with Western aesthetics. She’s a 2024 London Potters award winner and a selected member of the Craft Potters Association. You can find her work on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/miae_kim_ceramics/ and on her website here: https://www.miaekimceramics.com/
Colour affects peoples’ emotional reactions and mood. In ceramics, the artist uses colour to imbue something other than that communicated from the form itself. This podcast explores the entire spectrum of colour, the psychology of colour, and how to use colour to communicate in ceramics.Bob will not only interview top ceramic artists from around the world but also artists using other mediums who use colour in their work. Look for a new podcast every two weeks.Bob can be contacted through his website at https://bobactonceramics.com/podcast or via the Colour and Ceramics Podcast Instagram page at https://instagram.com/colourandceramics
South Africa