In the Studio: Maker Q&A: Andrew Clark Andrew Clark
Appears in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated.
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Editor's Note
In the Potter's Kitchen
In the Studio
Pottery Illustrated
Firing temperature: Cone 6
Atmosphere: Oxidation
Surface treatment: Terra sigillata and underglaze
Forming method: Altering wheel-thrown forms
Favorite tool/tools: Mudtools small yellow rib, Dolan knife, DiamondCore Sanding Pads
Website and online shop: andrewclarkpottery.com
Instagram: @andclark
Describe the first piece you made in clay that you thought had potential: In 2016, I started using stamps to alter my pots. This method felt like a unique take on traditional methods and started the progression of work that I am still making today.
What are you inspired by? Cutaway diagrams, old comic books, machine schematics, and engineering are some of my biggest inspirations. I am usually drawn to symmetrical and geometric designs, and I like learning how things work and trying to recreate the process.
What is your process for finding/designing new forms? New ideas usually begin when I find something interesting in normal life and try to recreate my version of that object or device. I often find interesting source material at thrift stores. Vintage silver tableware, mid-century furniture, and old comics are some of the found objects that have started new ideas recently.
Who are your mentors? My undergraduate professor Lee Benson, and my friend, boss, and teacher, Eric Botbyl. Dick Lehman, Justin Rothshank, and many others have also given me great advice over the years.
Favorite piece in your ceramic collection: A Ron Meyers cat platter and a Jeff Oestreich yunomi
Describe your studio: In my backyard, I have a detached two-car garage that I converted into my studio. It’s about 500 square feet, which allows me to have a wheel-throwing area, a slip-casting area, a computer and desk, and plenty of tabletop work areas.
Best thing about your studio: Having everything right in my backyard has been an awesome treat. I love being able to walk 30 feet out of my back door and make things whenever I want.
Wish list for your studio: I have most of what I want right now. I just got a slip-casting table, so I am excited to get more into mold making and learn more about that process.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: Most days in the studio start with throwing on the wheel. While those pots dry, I move on to trimming or finishing pots from earlier in the week. In the afternoon, I try to return to the thrown pots to make alterations and start the finishing steps. But really, every day in the studio is different.
To read more about Andrew Clark’s process, take a look at the article Match Striker.
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