362: Masa Sasaki on making a living as a potter

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Masa Sasaki. His functional pots are decorated with vibrant color schemes emphasizing motifs of deer, one-eyed aliens and punctuation marks, forming a cryptic biography for the viewer to decode. In the interview we talk about the meaning behind his symbols, how previous professions helped build skills for his ceramic career and developing a market for his work. To see examples of his pots, visit www.masasasakiceramics.com.   On today’s Amaco Community Corkboard we have the Southern Crossings Pottery Festival. SXPF is a volunteer run non-profit with a focus on celebrating handmade pottery and the makers who nourish our lives and those around us. They have transitioned their festival to happen virtually this year March 5-7. This year’s lineup includes a great group of artists from across the US, who you can talk to at Meet the Artist zoom events that are happening this week Feb 25, 26 & 27. The festival is also hosting a benefit raffle for Blessings in a Backpack working to feed children in the greater Louisville area. To join in these virtual events, visit www.SXPF.org.   I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic artists and providing a space to explore clay in Kansas City, Missouri since 1988. The guild is accepting applications for their Artist in Residence Program until April 15th. This program is open to anyone who is looking to jump start their ceramics career. The guild has been upgrading their already well-equipped studio and will be adding a new Blaauw Gas kiln in 2021. Benefits include a private studio space, free firing, opportunities to teach, and an annual stipend. Check out www.kcclayguild.org/AIR to learn more.