Search CLAYflicks

Watch Preview:

 

In this video, David MacDonald takes us on a tour of his Syracuse, New York, studio. We filmed this tour when we were on site filming his instructional video, Making Large Plates with Inscribed Decoration. If you're like us and enjoy seeing other artist's workspaces, have a look!

 

Total runtime: Approximately 7 minutes

About the Author

David MacDonald carving a pot.

David MacDonald

David R. MacDonald was born in 1945 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the third oldest of nine children. He graduated from Hackensack High School in 1963 and was awarded an athletic scholarship to Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia) where he majored in art education. While there he was greatly inspired by noted African American ceramic artist Joseph W. Gilliard. During his studies at Hampton his work became influenced by the political and social issues of the time (the Civil Rights Movement). After graduating, he was awarded a graduate fellowship at the University of Michigan where he studied with John Stephenson and noted African American ceramist Robert Stull. During this time, his work continued to focus on social and political commentary and expand technically. After receiving his Master of Fine Arts degree he joined the faculty of the School of Art and Design at Syracuse University. Looking at a variety of design sources in the vast creative tradition of the African continent, MacDonald draws much of his inspiration from the myriad examples of surface decoration that manifests itself in the many ethnic groups of sub-Saharan Africa (as pottery decoration, textiles, body decoration, and architectural decoration). MacDonald's work spans the complete spectrum of ceramic forms of a utilitarian nature. MacDonald received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) in 2011.
Topics: Interviews & Conversations
CLAYflicks Testimonials

“Wow. [The Stroke and The Splash] is such an informative and helpful video. As usual, professional and well thought out demonstrations by Mr. Scott. This video alone is worth the price of my CLAYflicks membership.” -William

“I’m not a total beginner but I learned several techniques that I plan to implement.” -Kathleen

“OMG! This is fantastic! Mel [Griffin], you are such a good teacher and are so fun! I love the gestural impressions around the drawing. Mel’s tips while drawing are so helpful. Thanks, Mel!” -Beverly

“Merci beaucoup pour tout ce partage de techniques et de conseil!!! [Thank you very much for all this sharing of techniques and advice!!!]” -Suarez

“Great. I love it. So much to learn in a short and beautifully presented clip.” -ADI

“These conversational workshops mixed with handling and demonstration were magical to watch and truly inspirational. It’s wonderful that they have been recorded for us to watch via clay flicks. Thank you so much.” -Joanna

“The videos are an excellent way to bring out more creativity that I feel I sometimes lack. Love, love, love watching and learning from such patient teachers in the videos” -anonymous

“Thank you very much for this tutorial. Sam [Scott]’s instructions and considerations are so generous and obviously developed through a lot of experience. I really appreciate how explains the “why” of his various processes.” -Kathleen

“Keep doing them (videos). I can’t get anything like them in Australia and I have learned so much! -LM, Australia

“Whether you are a new potter or a seasoned one, there is information for everyone.” -M

“For me your videos have been extremely valuable! My minor in college was ceramics, but we didn’t learn anything like what I’m getting out of the videos! So keep them coming.” -KLI

“All together charming!” -TG, Arizona

“Worth every penny! Lots of great “small gifts” of technique and details of finishing a piece to make it look professionally done.” -MB, South Carolina

“Keep on doing what you’re doing with encouraging a variety of ceramic artists to share their knowledge via your video productions…and I’ll keep enjoying & adding to my library of your videos. You’re doing great!” -KIB. Washington

“We want more. It’s so good!” -M, France, Cannes

“The level of difficulty in the video was what I expected, and then some. Some was a challenge which is what I wanted. I wanted to learn something completely new and this was the perfect answer.” -KHB, California

“Very inspiring. Techniques were demonstrated clearly. I’ve already incorporated some of them in my work.” -Angela. NY

Load more comments
Thank you for the comment! Your comment must be approved first
avatar
Log In or Sign Up to be able to comment