Susie brings her scientific knowledge and deep connection to the natural world into her ceramic practice, using sgraffito to carve images of plants and wildlife into the surfaces of her work.

We talk about the relationship between science and art, learning ceramics within a supportive studio community, and how close observation of the natural world can find its way into clay.

A lovely conversation about curiosity, nature, and developing an artistic practice alongside a life in science.

Susie's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/susiekatholceramics/

Susie's Website: https://susiekatholceramics.ca/

Through workshops, studio sessions, and a culminating exhibition at Gallery 1065 from July 24 to August 2, participants are expanding their creative practices, experimenting with clay, and building new connections across Toronto’s arts communities.

It is an inspiring conversation with Natalie Waddell https://claygirl.ca and Christina Leslie https://www.christinaleslie.com/ about access, collaboration, and the possibilities that emerge when artists step into unfamiliar creative territory.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

#ColourAndCeramics #SurfaceStoriesCollective #CeramicArt #TorontoArts #ContemporaryCraft

Inspired by ancient sculpture and pottery, Inuit and folk art, and his lifelong fascination with the natural world, Paul is especially drawn to horses, cattle, wolves, bears, and big cats. His recent work uses layers of slips, engobes, oxides, and underglazes to create sculptures that feel like treasured objects, marked by age and history.

Alongside his studio practice, Paul now teaches his distinctive hand-building methods through masterclasses in the UK and internationally.

You can find him here on his website: https://paulsmithsculptures.co.uk/ and on his Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/paulsmithsculptures/

See her work and all about her apprentice program https://maryfoxpottery.ca/

Kristine works across photography, collage, drawing, painting, and sculpture, creating subtle but powerful work that explores interconnectedness, time, and the constant state of change in both humanity and the natural world.

Her practice begins with close observation and collecting, giving new significance to rocks, feathers, nests, insects, plants, and other overlooked fragments of the everyday. Her recent work moves beautifully between image and object, ancient and immediate, tiny and monumental.

Listen in for a thoughtful conversation about attention, process, material, and the quiet power of noticing.

You can find her work on her website at: https://www.kristine-zingeler.com/ and on her Instagram page at: https://www.instagram.com/kristinezingeler/

Find her website and Instagram page here:

https://www.sarahpikepottery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahpikepottery/

See her work on her website at https://twpottery.ca and her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/teresawysspottery/

Robbin Harris is a crystalline ceramic artist based in Calgary, Alberta, whose creative path reflects both resilience and reinvention. A former jazz musician, Robbin turned to clay after a life-changing accident ended his drumming career, discovering ceramics in 2017 under the mentorship of Dave Settles at Fairview Studios.

His artistic direction shifted again in 2020 when he encountered crystalline glazes, a discovery that opened a deep exploration into their unpredictable beauty and technical complexity. Through a practice rooted in experimentation, Robbin creates work that balances cosmic imagery with organic decay, revealing the delicate tension between creation and destruction. Each firing becomes an act of discovery, inviting viewers into a conversation about fragility, transformation, and the unexpected beauty that emerges when control meets chance.

You can find Robin here on his website https://robbinharrisceramics.com/ or on his Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/robbin.harris.ceramics/

From Reclaimed: Indo-Caribbean HerStories to the Indian Ceramics Triennale in Delhi, Heidi’s work reminds us that ceramics can hold memory, heal, and tell the stories history forgets.

Check out her work at https://www.heidimckenzie.ca/

Inspired by coral reefs, tide pools, and the intense blues and greens of Grassi Lakes, Gillian’s ceramics explore movement, surface, and a deep sense of place. We talk about making ocean-driven work far from the sea, the role of teaching and community in a studio life, and how landscape leaves its mark on clay.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

#ColourAndCeramics #CanadianCeramics #CeramicArtists #OceanInspired #SurfaceAsNarrative #CalgaryArtists

You can find her work at https://www.gillianmitchellceramics.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/gmitchellceramics/

Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a place tied to generations of family history, Maricelle meticulously draws and etches every line into her ceramic surfaces. The result is a layered, rhythmic abstraction of landscape and emotion, brought to life through colour.

We talk about: • drawing as a way of remembering • surface as emotional terrain • translating childhood landscapes into contemporary ceramic language

🎙️ Now live on the Colour & Ceramics Podcast

🔗 Website Link: https://maricelleolivier.com/

🔗 Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/molivier_ceramics/

Shae’s practice moves between ceramics, textiles, and the body, shaped by residencies at places like the Archie Bray Foundation and Kohler Arts/Industry, and by years embedded in craft communities from North Carolina to Japan, Turkey, Mexico, and beyond.

🎙️ Now live on the Colour & Ceramics Podcast

🔗 Website Link https://www.shaebishop.com/

🔗 Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/shae_bishop/

You can find Jane via her website here: https://www.janesheppard.me/ and her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/rev_jane_sheppard/

You can find her work at https://www.susantrimbleart.com.au/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/susantrimble.artist/

Nicole isn’t just curating a show; she’s shaping opportunities. As someone who runs one of the most respected art markets in Alberta, she understands what makes artists stand out, what helps them succeed, and yes—what can hold them back. She, and her family, have many years of experience operating this show so she has great wisdom for artists and makers of all sorts.

In this conversation, you’ll hear what Nicole looks for when selecting artists, how she evaluates applications, and the do’s and don’ts every artist should know when they’re trying to secure a spot in a major show.

You can find out more about Emily at https://www.emilyholmesceramics.com/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/emilyholmesceramics/

And more about Bob at bobactonceramics.com and Zana at https://www.instagram.com/zanaoheart/

Peter first discovered clay as a kid, and that early fascination never really left him. While studying industrial and furniture design at Ravensbourne College of Art in London, he found himself spending more and more time in the ceramics department. After graduating, he helped set up a pottery in Scotland making domestic stoneware, and not long after, opened his own studio in Kent where sculpture became his main focus.

These days, Peter works from his studio in Leamington Spa, creating stoneware pieces that are both thrown and hand-built. He fires in oxidation to around 1280°C, building up layers of coloured clays and matte glazes, using wax resist and surface grinding to reveal these intricate, textured patterns underneath.

He’s also worked in bronze and stone, and has been exhibiting his work since the mid-70s, both in Britain and internationally. What I love most about Peter’s approach is how design precision meets quiet emotion. Each piece feels carefully considered but deeply human.

You can find his work on his website at https://peterbeard.co.uk/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/peterbeardceramics/

You can find her work on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/miae_kim_ceramics/ and on her website here: https://www.miaekimceramics.com/

What blows me away is his materials list: clay and foam next to mirror, quartz, resin, and even human and synthetic hair. He’s just as comfortable casting as he is building through intuitive, almost scavenger-style making—so every piece feels singular, even when it echoes another. Scale doesn’t scare him either: he brings the same intensity to a room-sized environment as he does to a small bust, packing surfaces with tiny inventions that reward long looking.

David has shown all over the world—most recently at the McMichael in Ontario—and he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale back in 2007. His work lives in major collections like the Whitney, the Guggenheim, MOCA Los Angeles, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

You can find his work on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/daltmejd/ and his website at https://www.davidaltmejd.net.

Her information can be found here https://www.carollongpottery.com/and her Instagram page can be found here https://www.instagram.com/carollongpottery/​

Kyle can be found on his website here https://ceramicmeltdown.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ceramicmeltdown/

Carmen began her creative career as an art director for short films and commercials in the 90s. She then worked alongside artist Urs Fischer for over a decade before launching her own fashion brand, Ikou Tschuss, in 2006, combining modern textiles with traditional artistry.

Since 2014, she’s been working out of her own studio in Los Angeles. Her process begins with sketching, then sculpting the clay form, allowing the piece to evolve along the way. Titles like “I Wish You Were Beautiful” and “Here Comes the Light” hint at her playful, open-ended approach to artmaking.

Today, Carmen continues to create from her Los Angeles studio, bringing clay to life with humour, honesty, and a touch of poetic storytelling.

You can find her work at her website here https://carmendapollonio.com/ and her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/carmendapollonio

As artists and educators, Jess and Rob have cultivated a welcoming environment where students of all levels can explore the joy of working with their hands. Through their thoughtful teaching and community-focused approach, they’ve built more than just a studio—they’ve created a space for connection, curiosity, and artistic growth. Today on Colour and Ceramics, we talk about their journey, their philosophy on teaching, and how they’re shaping the clay community in Athens and beyond.

And, of course, their pottery and approach to ceramic art.

You can find their work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gooddirt_athens/ and on their website at https://www.gooddirt.net/

CJ creates beautiful, colourful work that is inspired by the sensuality of nature. Her work explores the connection between botanical forms and human sexuality. By abstracting flower blooms and focusing on their reproductive elements, she invites viewers to engage with themes of beauty, desire, and attraction—drawing subconscious links between the natural world and human instinct..

Her work can be found on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/cjjilek/ and on her website at https://cjjilekartist.wordpress.com/

Emily’s work is both playful and refined, with a unique voice that really stands out in the world of contemporary ceramics.

You can check out her creations at emilystubbs.com and follow her studio life on Instagram @emilystubbsceramics.

Let’s get into it—enjoy the show!

https://sandybrownarts.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.brown.904108

Karen is a sculptor and painter based in Roswell, Georgia in the USA. She does some lovely sculptures using multi-media and found objects. You can find her website and Instagram sites here https://lush-brush.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/kalushbrush/

You can find Jack at his website at https://www.jackdurling.co.uk/

Enjoy the show!

Susan can be found on her website at https://susanhalls.com/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/susanhallsceramicsuk/

Her work on ceramics, colour and spatial perception began with a master’s degree at Cardiff, Wales and then onto a PhD to develop the ideas with more emphasis upon spatial colour phenomena on a three-dimensional form.

She went beyond the basics of colour theory and tested out ideas on the conical form. She found that colours behave differently when viewed across three-dimensional space than on a two-dimensional surface, particularly on the inner bowl form where illusions can appear much stronger.

And, Sara and I talked about a job she had with colour that will surprise you.

You can find her on her website at saramoorhouse.com.

Anastassia, an incredible potter and art therapist hailing from London, shares her captivating journey in the realm of clay. We delve into how she cleverly intertwines clay into her art therapy while exploring the spellbinding world of colour and surface in ceramics.

So turn up the volume and join us for an unforgettable episode. Hope it brings as much joy to your day as we had recording it.

You can catch more of Anastassia on her website: https://www.azamaceramics.co.uk/ and her Instagram page: httpS://instagram.com/a_zama_ceramics. Happy listening!

And, of course, you can find us at https://colourandceramics.com or wherever you find your podcasts.

Jennifer's work explores the complicated relationship humans have with their physical bodies. My work explores this idea, specifically the denial of this physicality that was prevalent in my Catholic upbringing, while simultaneously asserting the body’s messy and powerful presence. This work is influenced by the history of Christianity, martyrdom, and the monstrous. Like the fragmentation of the martyred body, the monstrous body exhibits dissolution of parts, and shows in its disquieting form, hybridization, lack and excess.

You can find Jennifer at her website here: https://www.janetmacpherson.com/ and on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/janetmacpherson/

You can find Russell on his website here: https://www.russellkingstonceramics.co.uk/ and on his Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/russellkingstonceramics/

You can find Rick in every streaming service such as YouTube and you can find his book here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/9780593652886

You can find Jay Shetty here: https://www.jayshetty.me/

Sip your favourite brew while listening to a delightful dialogue between host Bob Acton @bobacton and our dazzling guest, Georgie @georgieceramics. Get an insider's look at her artistic process as she crafts her eye-catching surface designs that keep inspiring us all.

Don't miss the chance to see creativity in action! Join us today on the show.

Georgie also has a video on YouTube presented by Ceramic Review Masterclass @ceramicreview. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAoajCl8PVI&t=71s

Immerse yourself in our universe of ceramics!

You can find Georgie on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/georgieceramics/ or on her website here: https://www.georgiegardiner.co.uk/

Bob Acton and Morel https://www.moreldoucet.com/ had a wonderful conversation about his work, his purpose in producing they type of work he does, and, of course, colour and surface design.

From his artist statement:

My work explores the cultural disparity of self- realization, assimilation, and transnational identity as a Haitian immigrant. Using direct or implied human figures, I explore narratives of vulnerability, isolation, and alienation within various cultures across the globe. Within the vocabulary of indigenous art and my dreams, I create whimsical forms resulting in a diary of self-mythology.

These exchanges allude to a larger conversation about sea-level rise, environmental pollution, and the displacement between descendants of the African diaspora, and their physical environments. Through intensive detailed labor, my work mimics the current state of Black fragility. I employ ceramics, illustrations, and prints to examine the realities of climate- gentrification, migration, and displacement within the Black diaspora communities. In addressing these issues, I merge my Afro-Caribbean culture with flora and fauna and draw from the concerns of the collective consciousness of my community.

In my quest to illustrate the impact of climate-gentrification, I present work with visual impact and sensitivity —and draw inspiration from the indigenous cultures of the Amazon, Aboriginal people of Australia, and the Yoruba tribe of West Africa.

Her sculptures have remarkably nuanced surfaces that are the end product of a great deal of improvisation and hard work. We talked about her work, each of which often goes through as many as seven or eight firings at a high temperature (low stoneware) setting that gives them their characteristic hard surfaces. Using water as a medium, Gregor applies color in pools, patches and slashes, letting gravity have its way with the wet pigments. “I like working with water as a medium for color both in fired clay work and on canvas and paper,” Gregor explains. “It pools, drips, follows contour, dries slowly and has a beautiful life of its own.”

See Michelle's work on her website here: https://www.michellegregor.com/ and her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/michellegregor/

You can connect with Margaret on her Instagram page here. https://www.instagram.com/margaretkeelan and her website https://margaretkeelan.com/

We hope you enjoy the show.

You can check out all the episodes on our website at https://colourandceramics.com/

You can reach Chris at his website https://chrisriccardo.com/ or his Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/chris_riccardo.

Join us for a great conversation with this wonderful Canadian artist.

You can reach Naomi here on her website https://naomiclement.com and you can also reach here here on her Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/naomikclement

You can find Melissa at her website https://www.melissaweisspottery.com/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/melissaweisspottery/

We hope you enjoy the show.

Operating from scenic Scottsdale, Arizona, Nick crafts breathtaking vessels that we're absolutely smitten with! Don't just take our word for it, hop over to his Instagram @nbernardpottery and let your eyes feast on his creations! Go a little further down the rabbit hole and explore at https://nbenard.com - you won't regret it!

You can find more about Lisa on her Instagram Page here https://www.instagram.com/ipotlisa/ and on her website https://www.bramblestudio.ca/

I hope you enjoy the show!

You can find Mark on his website here https://www.markdallyceramics.co.uk/ and on his Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/markdallyceramics/.

Mark also produces his own line of slip trailers and you can find them here https://www.sliptrailer.com/

Hailing from the UK, Craig is an extraordinary ceramic artist and painter whose exceptional use of colour and surface design gives birth to truly awe-inspiring hand built sculptural works. Craig generously offered insights into his creative process, his unique style reflected in his treatment of surfaces, and his passion for colour (you guessed it, it's a colour podcast after all).

Not only did Craig and I engage in this exploration, but our friend Bob @bobacton also contributed to the conversation, exchanging exciting ideas tailor-made for the ceramic artists among us.

Experience the magic of Craig's creativity on Instagram at @craigunderhill7 and through his website at craigunderhill.com.

Eager to learn from the master himself? Craig shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in a hands-on course on slab building and surface decoration at The Ceramic School - https://bit.ly/craigunderhill. Let your creativity soar and become a part of this artistic journey.

Bob Acton @bobacton had a great conversation with Adrian Arleo about her sculpture work and her use of colour and surface design.

Check out Adrian's website here https://www.adrianarleo.com/ and her Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/adrianarleo/

You can find about about Matthew on his website here http://www.mattheworeilly.ca/ and his Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/matthewosmiley

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you find your podcasts and leave us a review as it helps others find the podcast.

Barry can be found on his website at https://www.barrystedman.co.uk/ and in Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/barrystedman

Inspired by her love affair with collage, printing and painting, Miche's current body of work uses the urban landscapes to inspire a contemporary interpretation. The interplay between surface and form, the ways in which colours exist side by side provide infinite ways of how clay can be transformed into rich, visceral and personally expressive individual statements.

Intuitive mark making, lithography and clay manipulation, combined with careful deliberation on familiar form, provides a satisfying making process; allowing for the spontaneous to sit beside the considered. This builds an exciting visual language open to personal interpretation

https://www.instagram.com/michefollano/

Richard was born and brought up in Norwich, and has been making pots since the early 1970s. After studying for two years at Great Yarmouth College of Art, he worked from 1974 to 1980 at Le Dieu Pottery in Norwich before spending 3 years in Australia and New Zealand, and a further five in Germany, working with many potters using different techniques, in particular woodfired salt glazes.

He now uses brightly coloured slips on his work. You can find him on his website at https://www.rwilson-ceramics.co.uk and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/richard_wilson_ceramics/

Bob interviewed Carole Epp, a Canadian potter and ceramic community builder. They talk about art, clay, colour, surface, and Carole's connecting emotion and people to her work. I think you'll really enjoy the conversation.

You can find Carole at her website https://www.caroleepp.com/ and through her ceramic community building site https://www.musingaboutmud.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/musingaboutmud/

And, of course, please subscribe to the show and give the show a review.

You can find Su here:

Web: https://www.sujamesonart.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/su.jameson/

Sharon can be found here:

Web: https://www.sharongriffinart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharongriffinart/

Sharon also mentioned Magdalena Grozsek, a colorist, who operates the BeARtz space in France operating workshops and retreats.

Magdalena can be found here:

Web: https://be-artz.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagdalenaGroszekartist