Colour and Ceramics
Colour and Ceramics is a podcast about how colour shapes emotional responses and communicates meaning in artwork. Host Bob Acton discusses the psychology of colour and its use in ceramics, featuring conversations with ceramic artists and other creators who work with colour. New episodes are released every two weeks.
Episodes
Deana Bada Maloney: Nature-focused ceramic multimedia sculptor
On today's show, Bob Acton @bobacton, interviews Deana Bada Maloney, an Illinois-based ceramic artist and wildlife sculptor whose work brings together hand-built clay, animal anatomy, drawing, expressive surface, and mixed media.With a background in drawing, painting, anatomy, and scientific illustration, Deana has developed a highly observational approach to ceramic sculpture. She often thinks ab
Drew Caines: An English sculptor exploring the ancients.
My guest today is Drew Caines, a ceramic artist based in Leeds in the north of England who has been working with clay for almost 30 years.Drew creates richly textured, often sculptural work that brings together influences from very different points in human history. He draws inspiration from ancient Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic art, folklore and ethnography, while also pulling in contemp
Susie Kathol: A Canadian biologist and potter living in the Rocky Mountains.
In this episode of Colour & Ceramics, Bob Acton @bobacton speaks with Susie Kathol, a ceramic artist, wildlife biologist, and botanist based in Revelstoke, BC.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
Surface Stories Collective: A Toronto Arts Councill-funded Project
SPECIAL EDITION: In this episode of the Colour & Ceramics Podcast, we explore the Surface Stories Collective, https://surfacestoriescollective.lovable.app/, a Toronto-based initiative bringing non-ceramic artists from equity-deserving communities into the world of ceramic surface design.Through workshops, studio sessions, and a culminating exhibition at Gallery 1065 from July 24 to August 2, p
Paul Smith: British Sculptor
My guest today is British ceramic sculptor Paul Smith, who has worked full-time from his studio in North Derbyshire since 1998. Paul is known for his bold, semi-abstract animal sculptures, combining simplified forms with expressive, richly layered surfaces.Inspired by ancient sculpture and pottery, Inuit and folk art, and his lifelong fascination with the natural world, Paul is especially drawn to
Mary Fox: A Canadian Potter who loves teaching
This week we're joined by Mary Fox, a self-taught BC potter who turned a lifetime of "learning at the school of hard knocks" into an acclaimed artistic career. Mary shares her journey from functional pottery to exploratory art, her approach to surface design and colour, and why she created the Legacy Project Apprentice Program — a rare two-year apprenticeship helping young Canadian potters become
Kristine Zingelar: A Canadian interdisciplinary artist.
In this episode, Bob Acton joined by interdisciplinary artist Kristine Zingeler.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, fea
Sarah Pike: A Canadian potter making exquisite slab-built, functional ware.
This week on Colour and Ceramics, Bob Acton is joined by Sarah Pike, one of Canada’s top ceramic artists. Sarah is a full-time potter based in Fernie, British Columbia, where she makes functional slab-built pottery from her home studio. Her work carries a wonderful sense of movement and personality, shaped by the mountain landscape around her and inspired by antique tinware, textured metal, and ol
Teresa Wyss: A Canadian small-batch functional potter in Alberta.
In this episode of the Colour and Ceramics Podcast @colourandceramics I @bobacton speak with Calgary potter Teresa Wyss @teresawysspottery about her striking functional ceramics, made with porcelain stoneware and decorated using hand-carved sgraffito. Inspired by wildlife, landscape, and the vivid colours of nature, her work has a bold, graphic presence that really stands out.We also talked about
Robbin Harris: A Canadian Crystalline Ceramic Artist
Today on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast, host Bob Acton shares his interview with Robbin Harris. 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 Settl
Heidi McKenzie: A Canadian Ceramic Sculptor who explores ancestry, migration, race and belonging.
This week Bob Acton @bobacton joined by ceramic and installation artist Heidi McKenzie, whose work uses clay and image as archive—exploring ancestry, migration, race, and belonging through powerful abstract portraiture.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 forget
Gillian Boon: A Canadian Potter & Prairie Mermaid
I’m thrilled to welcome Gillian Boon to the podcast, an Alberta-based ceramic artist whose work carries the pulse of the ocean, even from the heart of the prairies.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 teachin
Maricelle Olivier: The Bushland Remembered: Landscape as Surface in Ceramics
This week I’m @bobacton joined on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast @colourandceramics by Australian ceramic artist Maricelle Olivier, whose work is deeply shaped by memory, landscape, and line.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 layer
Shae Bishop: Ceramics, Textiles, and Curiosity-Driven Making
Ceramic artist Shae Bishop joins me @bobacton on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast @colourandceramics this week for a rich conversation about material, curiosity, and community.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
Reverend Jane Sheppard: A UK based ceramic artist
Meet Jane Sheppard, a UK-based ceramic artist whose hand-built, smoke-fired vessels echo ancient artefacts and the sacred threads of human experience. Her award-winning work blends ritual, memory, and earth-rooted simplicity—inviting us to pause, feel, and reconnect.You can find Jane via her website here: https://www.janesheppard.me/ and her Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/rev_jane_
Susan Trimble: An Australian Ceramic Artist
Today, Bob Acton introduces us to South African–born ceramic artist Susan Trimble who creates joyful, nature-inspired work from her Brisbane studio. After a long career in graphic design, she discovered clay in 2020 and quickly developed a distinctive practice shaped by painting, mark-making, and mentorship under artist Jane du Rand. A 2024 solo exhibitor and finalist in the North Queensland Ceram
Nichole Windblad - Head of Calgary Art Market
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Nicole Windblad, the creative force behind the Calgary Art Market.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 operat
Clay Meets Fashion: Emily Holmes from Los Angeles
Today, Bob and Zana interview ceramic artist and designer Emily Holmes on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast, who joins us from Los Angeles to talk about her practice of transforming familiar, textile-like forms into ceramic keepsakes. Emily’s background in Art Therapy at the Art Institute of Chicago shaped her early relationship with clay as a tool for healing, and later led her to open her studio f
Peter Beard: A UK-based ceramic sculptor
Today's podcast introduces Peter Beard. 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
Miae Kim: Korean born, London-based ceramic artist
I’m excited to welcome Miae Kim—a London-based ceramic artist originally from South Korea. After a career in animation and VFX in L.A., she fell in love with clay at Glendale College and never looked back. Miae is known for two threads: sculptural pieces inspired by whales—symbols of wisdom and endurance—and work that blends Korean motifs and Hangul with Western aesthetics. She’s a 2024 London Pot
David Altmejd: Canadian Sculptor Making the Invisible Visible
Today we’re stepping into the strange, beautiful world of Canadian sculptor David Altmejd. Born in Montreal in 1974 and now based in Los Angeles, David is obsessed with what makes a person a person—the body, yes, but also the mind, imagination, and whatever we mean by ‘soul.’ His figures often feel like they’re falling apart and coming together at the same time, opening little doorways into places
Carol Long: A joyful, nature-rooted ceramic artist from the US
We’ve got an exciting show today talking with the wonderful Carol Long — a ceramic artist whose work blooms with the influence of plant and animal life. Infused with joy, whimsy, and a deep connection to nature, Carol’s intricate, organic forms reflect her Kansas farm roots and a lifelong curiosity for the beauty around her. Her pieces can be found in galleries and museums across the U.S., and she
Kyle Scott Lee: A New York Colour Magician
Today on the podcast, Bob Acton @bobacton is joined by Brooklyn-based ceramic artist Kyle Scott Lee @ceramicmeltdown. Known for his bold use of color, expressive brushwork, and inventive surface treatments, Kyle’s work bridges tradition and innovation. Over the past two decades, he’s developed a distinctive style combining classical vessel forms with vibrant, abstract design. His ceramics have bee
Carmen D'Apollonio: Sculptor, lamp maker, and designer.
Today’s featured artist is Carmen D’Apollonio, sculptor who explores everything from abstraction to figuration in her ceramic practice. Self-taught in ceramics, Carmen creates sculptural lighting and vessels that fuse craftsmanship with functionality, often infused with humour. As she puts it, “My work is simple; it often gives way to humor. As if clay had its way of being, its own personality.”Ca
Suzy Birstein: A Canadian sculptor creating fantastic figurative work.
Join us on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast today as our host Bob Acton @bobacton strums up an exciting conversation with Vancouver's vibrant artist Suzy Birstein @suzy_birstein! Hold onto your mugs as we dive into Suzy's world of whimsical, figurative ceramic works and paintings. Ready for some artful chit-chat? Tune in! Check out her work at https://www.suzybirstein.com/
Rob and Jess Sutherland: From dirt to beauty in Athens.
Join Bob, Jess, and Rob Sutherland, founders of Good Dirt Studio in Athens, Georgia—a dynamic ceramics space dedicated to creativity, community, and clay on today's podcast episode.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 approa
CJ Jilek: Ceramic colourist extraordinaire.
Bob Acton, the host of the Colour and Ceramics Podcast, shares his conversation with CJ Jilek. 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 attra
Emily Stubbs: A Contemporary Ceramicist from York in the UK
Welcome to today’s episode! In this conversation, Bob sits down with the incredibly talented Emily Stubbs to dive into her journey with clay—how it all began, the evolution of her stunning work, and some fascinating insights into the techniques she uses in her ceramics practice.Emily’s work is both playful and refined, with a unique voice that really stands out in the world of contemporary ceramic
Sandy Brown: Renowned British potter and sculptor using an energetic, intuitive style.
Sandy Brown is a renowned British ceramic artist celebrated for her expressive, spontaneous approach to clay. Her work is characterized by bold colors, free-flowing brushwork, and an energetic, intuitive style that challenges conventional ceramic traditions. After being introduced to ceramics in Japan, Sandy learned there that pots can be dynamic, exciting, free, and irregular. She has since built
Karen Adams: Sculptor and painter
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast. Today's episode is with Karen Adams from Lush Brush Studios.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/
Jack Durling: Ceramic animal sculptor and conservationalist.
A big warm welcome to Jack Durling, a wonderful animal sculptor and conservationist from the UK. Jack @jackdurlingceramics and Bob Acton @bobacton had a great conversation about Jack's work, how he approaches his work and, of course, surface design.You can find Jack at his website at https://www.jackdurling.co.uk/Enjoy the show!
Susan Halls: An Exceptional Potter, Sculptor and Teacher in the UK.
Bob Acton, host of the Colour and Ceramics Podcast, shares a lovely conversation he had with Susan Halls from Yorkshire in the UK. They talked her approach to ceramics and, of course, colour and surface design. I hope you 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/
Ceramic Colour Magic: Insights from Sara Moorhouse
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast. I’m Bob Acton and I’m pleased to introduce you to the wonderful Sara Moorhouse.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 i
Anastassia Zamaraeva: A UK-based potter and art therapist.
Hey there, folks! We're thrilled to bring you Season 2 of the Colour and Ceramics Podcast @colourandceramics! Get ready for a heartwarming chat between our host, Bob Acton @bobacton, and the charismatic Anastassia Zamaraeva @a_zama_ceramics. 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 in
Janet MacPherson: A Canadian Ceramic Artist
Bob Acton shares his conversation with the Canadian ceramic artist Janet Macpherson. She began studying ceramics at Sheridan College, in Toronto, ON Canada and for six years operated a studio practice making functional ceramics, participating in exhibitions, and selling her work at various Toronto galleries. In 2008 she began her MFA in ceramics at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where
Russell Kingston: A UK Slipware Potter
Welcome to this episode with Russell Kingston from Devonshire in England. His roots are in North Devon where everyday medieval pots from that region drew him to this work. His pots are wheel thrown and slab built. Pots are to be used, so forms are simple and robust. Rims are rolled for strength and to mirror the chunky ring at the bottom; which is used for slipping and glazing. Handles are pulled
Rick Rubin with Jay Shetty (brief episode)
This is a brief interview of Rick Rubin, author of The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Jay Shetty. Rick's written a fantastic book on creativity and his thoughts in this clip can be of value to all creative. I hope you enjoy it. 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/9
Georgie Gardiner: A dazzling UK Potter alive with colour!
Dive into the captivating world of ceramics with UK's Georgie Gardiner!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 to
Morel Doucet: Storyteller, sculptor, educator, and artistic environmental activist
Come and join us today for a a great conversation with the wonderful Morel Doucet. Morel, currently residing in Florida, and originally from Haiti, is now a full time artist and educator. 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 statemen
Michelle Gregor: Colour Supreme with a Leading American Sculptor
Welcome to this episode with Michelle Gregor. She is a leading sculptor and painter in California, USA . We discussed her approach to ceramic sculpture and her style in using colour in surface design. 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
Margaret Keelan: Surface Design Extraordinaire
Bob Acton had a delightful conversation on the Colour and Ceramics Podcast with Margaret Keelan, a Canadian sculptor now living in California. Bob and Margaret spoke about her journey in clay, her approach to colour and surface design, and she shared some helpful ideas for clay artists. You can connect with Margaret on her Instagram page here. https://www.instagram.com/margaretkeelan and her websi
Chris Riccardo: A US-based sculptor who has worked in bronze and clay.
In this episode, Bob talks with Chris Riccardo who works out of Montana, USA. Chris is known for his figurative sculptures both human form and animals. Bob and Chris talked about his journey in clay, how he approaches his work, and Chris talks about his current studio Omerta Arts in Helena, Montana. You can reach Chris at his website https://chrisriccardo.com/ or his Instagram page https://www.ins
Naomi Clement: A Canadian potter, a teacher and a mentor for artists to earn a living at art.
Welcome to the Naomi Clement episode where Bob and Naomi talk all things clay. Bob and Naomi talk discuss her approach to colour and Naomi's approach to her rich, dynamic surface design. Naomi also talks about her journey in clay, her mentoring program, and her school "Maker's Mark" as she is focused on helping creatives make a living from art. Join us for a great conversation with this wonderful
Melissa Weiss: A Potter Using Colourful Imagery
Bob Acton had a great conversation with Melissa Weiss about her work. Bob and Melissa talked about approaches to creative work, her processes of clay selection, colour and surface design (of course), and she had some wonderful ideas about her creative process. You can find Melissa at her website https://www.melissaweisspottery.com/ and on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/melissaweis
Nicholas Benard: Gorgeous vessels from Scottsdale, Arizona.
Today's Colour and Ceramics Podcast episode, features the vibrant Nick Benard from @nbernardpottery. Prepare for a whirlwind discussion with Bob @bobacton, as we dive into Nick's art, enveloped in mesmerizing colours and intricate surface designs. Spoiler, he's also got some killer tips on navigating the art world!Operating from scenic Scottsdale, Arizona, Nick crafts breathtaking vessels that we'
Lisa McGrath: It's all in this Canadian potter's work - texture, colour and wonderful form.
In this episode, Bob Acton and Lisa McGrath had a great conversation about her beautiful work. While we talked about her functional and sculptural work and her approach to colour and surface design, she shared an interesting story about how her use of a coloured lichen glaze came to be,You can find more about Lisa on her Instagram Page here https://www.instagram.com/ipotlisa/ and on her website ht
Mark Dally: A UK potter who just slips into surface design and colour!
Bob @bobacton had a great conversation with Mark Dally @markdallyceramics about his beautiful work using mostly black slips. We talked about his journey in clay, how he overcomes problems in his practice, some of his business practice, and, of course we talked about surface design and his thoughts about the use of colour.You can find Mark on his website here https://www.markdallyceramics.co.uk/ an
Craig Underhill - ceramic artist extraordinaire!
We are beyond thrilled and blessed today to have the distinctive talent of Craig Underhill gracing the Colour and Ceramics Podcast! @colourandceramics 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,
Adrian Arleo who makes breathtaking sculptures in Montana, USA.
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast.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/
Matthew O'Reilly: A Canadian Emerging Sculptor & Painter
Bob Acton enjoyed a good conversation with Mathew O'Reilly about his work, his use of colour, and his thoughts about surface design. You can find about about Matthew on his website here http://www.mattheworeilly.ca/ and his Instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/matthewosmileyDon't forget to subscribe wherever you find your podcasts and leave us a review as it helps others find the podcast.
Barry Stedman: Colour Extraordinaire!
Enjoy Bob's interview with Barry Stedman, a UK potter who uses brilliant colours in his work. Bob and Barry talk about his journey in clay, his use of colour and the specific techniques he uses to produce such lovely work. Barry can be found on his website at https://www.barrystedman.co.uk/ and in Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/barrystedman
Miche Follano: A potter who uses brilliant colours and surface design in her work.
In today's episode, Bob Acton has a lovely conversation with Miche Follano where they discuss colour, slips, surface design and ideas about how to produce beautiful work.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 ex
Richard Wilson: A UK potter who uses brilliant colours
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast and Bob's interview with Richard Wilson. Bob and Richard talk about his journey in clay and his approach to colour and surface design.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 spe
Carole Epp: Canadian potter, community builder, and wonderful ceramicist.
Another bonus episode before we switch to bi-weekly. 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.mus
Frank James Fisher - A US potter who applies messages to three-dimensional spaces.
In this episode, Bob talks with Frank James Fisher, a potter based in the USA. They talk about Frank's journey with colour and his energy for his work in which he uses strong images and surface design.
Su Jameson: A conversation about colour, sculpture, clay bodies, and the art journey.
Have you ever wondered about using strong colours in slips on dark clay and how to make that happen? Then join us today as Bob talks with UK sculptor Su Jameson about her beautiful art, her journey in clay, and how she approaches colour and surface design.You can find Su here:Web: https://www.sujamesonart.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/su.jameson/
Sharon Griffin: A UK Contemporary Figurative Artist
Sharon is highly recognized contemporary sculptor in the UK. Bob and Sharon talked about the interplay between form, colour, and surface design.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 ca
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast
Welcome to the Colour and Ceramics Podcast where Bob Acton, a potter and sculptor, interviews top ceramic artists, potters, and sculptors from around the world but also artists using other mediums who use colour in their work. The podcast explores the entire spectrum of colour, surface design, the psychology of colour, and how to use colour to communicate in ceramics.
