#MadewithaBailey Interview with Michael Cole

You've posted some beautiful work on Instagram; can you tell us about what you are up to?

My most recent project was creating 75 “spirit sippers” as closing night gifts for the cast and crew of the Off-Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. I gave myself the freedom to make each one a little bit different, which allowed me to explore shape and form with a basic cylinder through repetition.  After I lined them all up, it was very easy for me to see which shapes I liked best.  I have plans to further develop this idea and create accompanying trays that will hold multiple sippers (or shot glasses) that could also be used as bud vases. 

Which Bailey products do you use and how do they help you get the results you need?

I have a Bailey TL-2327-SQ Electric Kiln with the Genesis controller upgrade. I had used a Bailey kiln at the local arts council and had terrific results with it, so when setting up my studio, it made sense for me to choose a Bailey. It is very easy to program, which is extremely helpful as I am exploring different firing schedules, overglazes, and lusters. I have my eye on a Bailey Mini-Might II Tabletop Slab Roller and hope to add it to my studio soon.

What’s a tool that you could not live without?

The wheel. I love the wheel and all of the challenges and triumphs it presents. I am happiest sitting at the wheel and throwing. If I could choose two more “can’t-live-without” tools, I’d want a Kemper Stainless Steel Scraper and a trigger-start propane torch. The scraper is likely the most versatile tool in my studio - it can be used for shaping, compressing, burnishing, adding gestural marks, cutting, and even trimming. The trigger-start propane tank is a new acquisition and I wish I had picked one of these up years ago. A quick shot of heat and I’m able to lift freshly thrown shot glasses and mugs off the wheel without their losing shape.

Can I pick one more? I installed a large stainless-steel sink in my studio which required a restaurant-style faucet – the kind with a pull-down high-pressure sprayer. That pull-down sprayer has made cleanup a breeze. Could I live without it? Yes. But I wouldn’t want to. Having a clean, well-organized studio is important to me and this pull-down sprayer was a very “happy accident”.

Tell us about yourself, how did you get started working in clay?

My introduction to clay was in high school in the early 80s - I remember liking it very much, but never had or made the opportunity to continue with it after graduation. My re-introduction to clay was in 2011 when I joined a friend who was taking a wheel class at a local studio.  I took a couple of classes and then rented studio space so I could spend more time on the wheel. I watched hours of YouTube videos to get the basics down and then took several workshops to learn more advanced techniques. One of the things I quickly discovered about the world of ceramics is that most of the “famous” people in our world are very accessible via workshops and social media. They have been a terrific and generous resource. 

What are some of your favorite things about working in clay?

I love that something that is dug out of the earth - a muddy, goopy mess - can be manipulated, worked, wedged, thrown, altered and turned into a beautiful work of art that could last for thousands of years.  It’s an inexpensive material that can be worked and re-worked over and over again, which provides great creative freedom. I love that the world of clay has so many different genres and because of that, it will likely hold my interest and fascination for many years. I’m delighted to have found something to be passionate about at this point in my life.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by elegant forms and shapes and by “simple” yet effective design. I scrolled through my Pinterest board and sure enough, many of the photos I’ve pinned feature ceramics with a very elegant line or shape, or they are very “simple” ideas but executed thoughtfully and beautifully. “Simplicity” is not as easy as it looks. I’m inspired by potters who do it (seemingly) effortlessly. The other big inspiration for me is the wonderful combination of passion and commitment. To see a piece (or body) of work that exhibits clear evidence of years of trial and error, testing and refining is very exciting and inspires me to get into the studio and play. 

What do you love about the ceramic process?

I love that working with clay is a metaphor for life and involves important life skills such as patience and being “centered”. I’ve learned and re-learned these lessons and sure enough, pretty much every time I try to force something or move too quickly to the next part of the process, the results are not satisfying. I love the smells associated with ceramics, especially the way the wet glazes smell and the burning off of chemicals when the kiln fires. I’ve noticed these same smells at any pottery studio I’ve visited, and they seem nostalgic to me. I love feeling a warm pot pulled out of the bisque kiln. I love the sound a pot makes when it’s absorbing the glaze and the pinging after they’re removed from the kiln I love working with the clay’s natural properties and how, for instance, a pulled handle will bend just right when I’ve shaped it “properly”. And of course, I love opening the glaze kiln – that never gets old.

What are you excited to try next in the studio?

I’ve always loved mixed media and to me, ceramics, beads, and crystals seem a natural fit. I’m excited to explore new ways to incorporate these elements into my work in a way that feels organic. And the other thing I am very excited about is developing my own glazes. I’ve wanted to learn how to do this for a long time and I’m having a great time beginning to demystify glaze making.

When you’re not creating ceramics, what do you enjoy doing?

One of my other passions is water-skiing. My ski boat is a MasterCraft ProStar 197, which is what inspired the name of my pottery company, MasterCraft Ceramics. I also enjoy home improvement, gardening, singing choral music and spending time with my partner-in-crime, Actor Steven Skybell, and our two very active Australian Shepherds.

-Michael Cole

Portrait of Micheal Cole by Jann Paxton

Instagram: @mastercraft_ceramics

http://mastercraftceramics.com/