Spotlight: Clay Connections Rich Brown
Appears in the June/July/August 2024 issue of Ceramics Monthly.
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Ceramics Monthly: Since you shared a glimpse into your practice as a Ceramics Monthly Working Potter in 2022, you embarked on a cross-country road trip to meet artists and document local studios along the way. What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?
Rich Brown: Changing Lives through Clay is a documentary that I, with the help of some amazing friends, embarked on last April 2023. Angelo Robinson, Barbara Cruz-Morales, and Sage Stephens went with me on this whirlwind adventure of 25 cities in 26 days. The trip was intended to highlight the places and spaces where clay is a driving force for building community.
The biggest takeaway from this experience was that the clay community is one that is loving, embracing, and willing to share knowledge of this material that we all choose to express our artistic voice. The trip is an ongoing documentary of my life and others’ lives in clay. Potters and clay companies funded the first leg of the trip, and I am very appreciative of their contributions to making this happen. Clay artists opened their homes to complete strangers to share the love we have of clay. As a community, we must continue to join in fellowship, break bread with one another, and share our knowledge with future generations of ceramic artists.
CM: What role does connection play in your current studio practice as a ceramic artist?
RB: Connection plays a significant role in my day-to-day operation. I lean on my connection with ceramic artists and artists in other media for inspiration, technical advice, and ways to increase sales. I am blessed that I have made friends with those who have the same passion and are driven to be successful in clay and the advocation of art.
I also mentor beginning potters and am always willing to share what I have learned on my journey. I feel this is important, and it’s also very rewarding to watch the evolution of new ceramic artists.
I wouldn’t be able to make it this far without the assistance of many companies like Speedball, Standard, Amaco, DiamondCore, and Giffin Grip. I have been able to connect with these companies and get help on technical issues, and they sponsored me with my documentary project. I also connect with the best clay store ever, Davens Ceramic Center in Georgia, that helps with all my clay needs.
This journey has been a great one and I’m just getting started.
Photo: Angelo Robinson.
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