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/
--------
54:37
--------
54:37
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/
--------
42:00
--------
42:00
David Altmejd: Canadian Sculptor Making the Invisible Visible
Today we’re stepping into the strange, beautiful world of Canadian sculptor David Altmejd. Born in Montreal in 1974 and now based in Los Angeles, David is obsessed with what makes a person a person—the body, yes, but also the mind, imagination, and whatever we mean by ‘soul.’ His figures often feel like they’re falling apart and coming together at the same time, opening little doorways into places beyond what we normally recognize.What blows me away is his materials list: clay and foam next to mirror, quartz, resin, and even human and synthetic hair. He’s just as comfortable casting as he is building through intuitive, almost scavenger-style making—so every piece feels singular, even when it echoes another. Scale doesn’t scare him either: he brings the same intensity to a room-sized environment as he does to a small bust, packing surfaces with tiny inventions that reward long looking.David has shown all over the world—most recently at the McMichael in Ontario—and he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale back in 2007. His work lives in major collections like the Whitney, the Guggenheim, MOCA Los Angeles, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.You can find his work on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/daltmejd/ and his website at https://www.davidaltmejd.net.
--------
49:34
--------
49:34
Carol Long: A joyful, nature-rooted ceramic artist from the US
We’ve got an exciting show today talking with the wonderful Carol Long — a ceramic artist whose work blooms with the influence of plant and animal life. Infused with joy, whimsy, and a deep connection to nature, Carol’s intricate, organic forms reflect her Kansas farm roots and a lifelong curiosity for the beauty around her. Her pieces can be found in galleries and museums across the U.S., and she’s shared her artistry in workshops nationwide. From childhood experiments with mud to internationally recognized ceramic sculpture, Carol’s journey is one of imagination, craftsmanship, and an ever-evolving exploration of the natural world.Her information can be found here https://www.carollongpottery.com/and her Instagram page can be found here https://www.instagram.com/carollongpottery/
--------
44:59
--------
44:59
Kyle Scott Lee: A New York Colour Magician
Today on the podcast, Bob Acton @bobacton is joined by Brooklyn-based ceramic artist Kyle Scott Lee @ceramicmeltdown. Known for his bold use of color, expressive brushwork, and inventive surface treatments, Kyle’s work bridges tradition and innovation. Over the past two decades, he’s developed a distinctive style combining classical vessel forms with vibrant, abstract design. His ceramics have been exhibited internationally, featured in major publications, and collected across the globe. Kyle is a founding member of BKLYN CLAY, teaches at GasworksNYC, and currently collaborates with brands like West Elm, bringing his dynamic vision to a wide audience.Kyle can be found on his website here https://ceramicmeltdown.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ceramicmeltdown/
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