Talking Clay
For the past couple of years I have been involved in creating a video series where I sit down and talk with potters about a variety of issues. I enjoy the heck out of this privelege, to hear and explore ideas with some really great folks. The series is getting better as I become a better interviewer and as Jennifer Harnetty, and Kevin Davison and I become a better team. We have talked to potters about teapots, life during graduate school, current movements and trends in clay, Warren Mackenzies life, and much more. I also visited an elementary a high school in Columbus Ohio and had a great time working with the kids. The series is available streaming on Clayflicks, but you can see some of the previews here. For more info and great content check out Ceramics Arts Network streaming video service ClayFlicks.
Episode 7
This latest episode is a little different from what you have seen so far. This time, Simon visited a high school classroom in Columbus, Ohio, and had a great conversation with the kids. We’d like to thank Ms. Tera Stockdale, Principal Kenton Lee, and the students of Columbus North International School for hosting us and for all of their thoughtful questions.
Episode 6
Simon Levin sat down for dinner with four talented ceramic artists who were recognized by Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated as Artists of the Year—Carole Epp, Forrest Lesch Middelton, Roberto Lugo and Michael Strand. The Artists of the Year designation is awarded each year to artists who are setting an example for ceramic artists by embracing community-focused practices, and current trends in technology, studio, and marketing in the Ceramic Arts Yearbook and Annual Buyers Guide. The conversation quickly became a discussion of the relevancy of ceramics in today’s world, the importance of expanding diversity and inclusivity within our field, and so much more.
Episode 5
I got to interview a clay couple who are both educators and makers. Tyler Lotz and Erin Ferimsky and I played the Oldlywed game and got to know each other better. This is a fun one. As an interviewer I realize one of my strengths is my silliness. Check it out on ClayFlicks.
Episode 4
In this edition of our original series, Talking Clay, host Simon Levin sits down with artist and educator Julia Galloway. They chat about pots, critiques, and the ways in which the two have changed in the age of social media. This episode is extra unique in that it was shot exclusively in the iconic Artstream Nomadic Gallery!
Episode 3
What fun, I got to talk with two excellent makers and thinkers in episode 3 of Talking Clay my burgening series on CLAYflicks: I sat down with Pete Pinnell and John Neely to talk tea, and drink tea. In addition to being impeccable makers, Pete, a professor at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and John, a professor at Utah State University, have both extensively studied the art of tea and teapot making.
Episode 1
This is the pilot episode with Steve Rolf. It is mostly us geeking out on pots we love and use. Steve is an amazing, insightful and quietly passionate guy, who makes such good pots. Here is his website.
This clip was excerpted from the first episode of Talking Clay: Perspectives on a Passion, which is available on the Ceramics Arts Network streaming video service ClayFlicks.
How To Videos
These are some excerpts from larger videos where I demonstrate some of the techniques I use daily in my studio.
An excerpt from when we filmed in my studio during the making of the video “Work Flow”. Something good from the cutting room floor.
This clip was excerpted from Simon Levin's Work Flow: Throwing and Trimming Off the Hump, which is available in the Ceramic Arts Network Shop: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/shop/work-flow-throwing-trimming-off-the-hump-with-simon-levin/
This clip was excerpted from Simon Levin's Work Flow: Throwing and Trimming Off the Hump, which is available in the Ceramic Arts Network Shop: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/shop/work-flow-throwing-trimming-off-the-hump-with-simon-levin/
Fulbright
In 2013, I went to Taiwan as a Fulbright Senior Scholar. This video was produced around the project where I worked at Tainan National University of the Arts. In 2009 I built a large kiln for the school and upon my return we fired it, testing local clays and woods seeking an better understanding of what are the native properties of indigenous materials.
2013 Fulbright Video of Simon Levin's passions is a search for cultural identity. He believes indigenous clay is a metaphor for the malleable foundation upon which we respond to the world. Simon's Fulbright journey has lead him to dig, process, test and explore the properties of domestic clay in the U.S.
Sept 2016 Utilitarian Clay Symposium, at Arrowmont School. Each presenter brought their favorite pot, to talk about. I brought my Ayumi Horie mug.
A part of a conversation with Clary Illain, lifelong potter, former apprentice to Bernard Leach, and writer. Clary is the author of "A Potter's Workbook." The Japanese governement identifies specific people as national living treasures. The more direct translation is preserver of important intangible cultural properties. Clary is truly this.
Stop Motion
My process is slow. There are lots of details involved, and though this allows for great conversation, it translates well to stop motion video.
The April 30th Unloading of the Mill Creek Pottery Cross draft Kiln. This was the 30th firing of this kiln built by in 1999 by Simon Levin. Potters involved in this firing were Simon Levin, Matt Bukrey, John Glabus, Jon Vigelund, and Dick Cooter. Over 320 pots were fired in this 3 day wood firing.