This acclaimed Goldmark documentary tells the story of one of America’s most respected studio potters, Randy Johnston. Set against the backdrop of his picturesque Wisconsin studio, it gives a revealing and moving insight into his artistic journey. Kicking against his family’s desire for him to become a doctor, Johnston tells of his early travels to Japan, meeting the great Shoji Hamada and apprenticing to National Living Treasure, Tatsuzo Shimaoka. We are also taken on a visit to the Minnesotan studio of his lifelong mentor and friend, 94 year old American legend, Warren MacKenzie. A deep thinker, Johnston talks about his approach to his working practice and his philosophy on art and teaching.
Kick Wheel
Inspire Me | Randy Johnston | The Sprituality of Clay
Randy Johnston turns footrings on yunomi in his Wisconsin studio and explains his preference for the manual wheel. He considers the notion of “the memory of clay” and it’s receptivity as a material for emotional expression while appreciating the Japanese learned casualness in Shimaoka’s throwing technique.
Inspire Me | Randy Johnston | Early Inspiration
American potter Randy Johnston turning foot rings on a batch of yunomi muses on the power of pots to promote conversation and evoke memories. He recalls how fate conspired to bring him under the tutelage of the great Warren MacKenzie and reflects upon his Japanese apprenticeship and the myriad of influences that have affected his approach to line and form.
Talking Pots | Nic Collins | Tall Baluster Jugs
Nic Collins talks about his ‘baluster jugs’, their history and how difficult they are to throw on his kick wheel.
Talking Pots | Nic Collins | Bowls
Using his momentum kick wheel, British potter Nic Collins throws from a hump of clay to make his teabowls and guinomis, a technique used to make lots of small pots quickly. Watch this short video to find out why.
Documentary | Jim Malone | Potter
Jim Malone lives and works in the beautiful and remote Cumbrian countryside. Our film provides a rare insight into the working life of one of Britain’s most respected potters. Malone talks about his throwing and glazing techniques as well as the decorating of pots in the traditional Korean style (Hakeme). He fires alone over a 24 hour period.
Documentary | Mike Dodd | The Spirit of Making
This film provides a unique insight into the working life of Mike Dodd, one of Britain’s most prestigious potters. Dodd lives and works in the beautifully rural surroundings of Glastonbury, Somerset. Here he discusses his love of pots and shares some of his personal philosophies, talking about the importance of using local materials and hand made tools in the making of his work. Watch him unpack his kiln and throw a large textured vase on his kick wheel.
Making | Japanese Potter Ken Matsuzaki Throwing Chawans
In 2007 we first visited the Mashiko studio of internationally renowned Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki to film the master at work.