Remembering Regis Brodie (1942-2024)

Remembering Regis Brodie (1942-2024)

It is with sadness we note the passing of Regis Brodie. Regis’ warm personality and exceptional teaching skills influenced hundreds of ceramic students over the course of his career. After graduating from Tyler School of Art with a MFA, he arrived to teach at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs in 1969. There was never a better person to run the ceramics department at Skidmore than Regis Brodie. Under his direction, the department flourished and became world-renowned for its ceramics program.

Regis spent 41 years teaching at Skidmore and added to those years 35 summers of running the famed Summer Six Program. The summer program was experimental by design providing a unique educational experience for ceramic art students from across the nation. The idea of freedom to create without the restraints of the academic year gave participants the opportunity to learn outside the box.

Regis built several experimental kilns, including large sculpture, salt and raku kilns. This was ahead of the curve when most art departments only had basic kilns for firing students work. He also brought famous ceramic artists to Skidmore to guest teach including Tashiko Takaezu. I dare say the Tang Museum at Skidmore is grateful to have several of her pieces in their collection which she made while guest teaching at Skidmore. Regis was a visionary in the way he was able to bring talented colleagues to the college to share their knowledge and point of view with his beloved students.

It was with his free and open-minded teaching style that Regis was able to help every student find their potential. Over the course of his career, Regis taught many of his students how to be successful and highly accomplished potters. Regis loved to teach and he loved humanity, making time for all regardless of age or ability. He built a large community around the ceramics department which was his vision of living a creative life together; people helping people create and grow. As a potter he will be remembered for the exceptional talent he brought to the world. As a teacher his many students will remember him as a supportive and inspiring teacher.

Regis Brodie’s work can be found in countless museum and corporate collections around the world. He was also the author of “The Energy Efficient Potter” printed in 1982. He was a cherished friend, an outstanding teacher, and a dedicated family man who will always be remembered for his generosity, his enthusiasm for our field, and his big heart.

- Anne Bailey