Talking Clay 2: Steven Rolf 2

Click here to browse all CLAYflicks videos.

Search CLAYflicks

Watch Preview:

Simon Levin and Steven Rolf are passionate about pots. They have been involved with pots for a long time. Making pots. Teaching pots. Looking at pots. Talking about pots. And talking some more. Their thoughtful analysis and study of ceramics have been inspirational and instructional to their students and apprentices over the years, but what about the rest of us? Good news! We caught some of their clay conversations on video and can now share them with the Ceramic Arts Network audience. In this follow up to Talking Clay: Perspectives on a Passion, Simon and Steven share their thoughts and observations on some of the beautiful pots in their collections, as well as some of their own.

Total runtime: 46 minutes

About the Author

Simon Levin and Steven Rolf

Simon Levin

Simon Levin fell in love with the movement of flame through a wood-kiln in 1993. Its sensuous quality is something I seek to capture in my work with soft forms, full curves and flame paths etched into the surface. This quest led me to an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. In 2013, Simon was a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Taiwan exploring the potential of local materials. Recently he was a visiting artist, lecturer, and kiln builder at The China Academy of the Arts in Hangzhou. Currently, Simon is in the process of moving his pottery to Pawnee, Illinois. To learn more about Simon and see images of his work, please visit https://simonlevin.com/.

Steven Rolf

Steven Rolf holds an MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute, and a BS in Broad Area Arts from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. He also apprenticed under Wang Hui Ming, a master painter and wood engraver. Steven exhibits his work throughout the United States and has received a number of national awards. He also lectures and teaches workshops throughout the country. His work resides in noted private and national and international museum collections, as well as numerous kitchen cupboards. To learn more and see images of his work, please visit http://scrolfpotter.com.

Unfamiliar with any terms in this video? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!

Topics: Interviews & Conversations, Talking Clay

CLAYflicks Video Topics

Beginner Pottery Techniques

Intermediate Pottery Techniques

Advanced Pottery Techniques

Ceramic Decorating Techniques

Ceramic Glazing Techniques

Ceramic Kilns

Ceramic Sculpture

Glaze Chemistry

Handbuilding Techniques

Making Ceramic Molds

Wheel Throwing Techniques

Interviews & Conversations

QUICKflicks

Sights & Ceramics™

Studio Business

Studio Tours

Talking Clay™

Workshop from Home™

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

Talking Clay 2: Steven Rolf 2 Simon Levin and Steven Rolf