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

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

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

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

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

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