Ear candy for artistic inspiration
I am always listening to something in the studio. I have a bluetooth speaker right next to my potter’s wheel, playing podcasts or music that helps my mind get in the creative zone while my hands are busy making pottery. I want to share my favorite studio listens in hope that they bring you inspiration, too.
working at my potter’s wheel with my bluetooth speaker close by
Pottery Making Music
My default pottery-making music styles are downtempo or electronic music. The constant rhythm, repetitive melodies and low-key vocals get my brain in the right zone for throwing on the wheel and other focused tasks. These are my go-to artists:
Bonobo
Gold Panda
Rhye
Maribou State
Flock of Dimes
Sylvan Esso
They are all part of this playlist I made for the studio, when my hands are muddy and I can’t play DJ, I just start this and keep working: Katie’s stupendous studio playlist
Creative Inspiration Podcasts
The Potter’s Cast
Paul Blais has interviewed hundreds of potters from all over the world. His focus is on each person’s story and how working in clay has impacted their life. There is less discussion on techniques and pottery making itself, and more discussion on how to make a living and run a business as an artist. As Paul says, “we’re picking up where the art degree ends”. Also, listening to him is like getting a big hug from your dad. He’s so encouraging and humble and the world needs more folks like him.
Favorite episodes:
Troy made it- an artist with Down syndrome
Anna-Marie Wallace- her pottery is literally “Made of Australia”
Tales of a Red Clay Rambler
Host Ben Carter knows just the right questions to ask potters to get to the heart of why they make the work they make. Himself an accomplished potter and author, he is actually close friends with many of the people he interviews. I have learned so much about different pottery techniques and ways to find my voice just from listening to this podcast.
Favorite episodes:
Ronan Peterson- comic books and magical powers
Joanna Powell- quite the storyteller
Clever
Designers Amy and Jaime interview architects, fashion designers, illustrators, and product designers who make really stuff. Every person’s personality really comes through in the interviews and I have learned about so many cool designers out there.
Favorite episodes:
Tanya Aguiñiga and border wall art
Jonathan Adler- he’s a potter!
Timothy Goodman- helping promote other graphic artists
One more thing to mention: my Google home mini. Sometimes I use this to play music and podcasts. It’s hands free and I can just yell at it for “volume down” or “next song” when I have my hands in mud. My husband and I also use it to broadcast messages out loud when I’m out in the detached studio. They are well worth $25 and have decent sound quality for their size.
Happy listening and happy creating!