365: Mark Shapiro on 19th-century potter Thomas Commeraw
Thomas Commeraw Jar in the Met Museum collection.
Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Mark Shapiro. He is a noted potter and author of ceramic history based in western Massachusetts. In this interview we focus on his research into Thomas Commeraw, one of the most important potters working in New York City in the early 1800’s. We discuss the iconic Oyster jars that are attributed to his studio, his political and religious life within the African American community, and his participation in a tumultuous colonial project in Sierra Leone. For more information visit www.stonepoolpottery.com. To read an example of Mark's previous research check out his book on Karen Karnes, A Chosen Path, which was published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2010.
On today’s Amaco Community Corkboard we have Savannah Clay Community’s SIP cup show. Artists are invited to submit up to three drinking vessels to be juried by Renee Lopresti for their annual cup show. This year’s exhibition is taking place all-online and the deadline for submissions is midnight EST on March 31st, 2021. For more information visit www.savannahclaycommunity.com.
I want to send a special than you to ClayShare for sponsoring the podcast. Through their online ceramic education platform, they offer hundreds of full-length classes, as well as thousands of instructional videos that can be streamed straight to your smart TV or compatible device. They offer a wide range of topics that are perfect for the beginner to the experienced potter. With your membership you will receive weekly live tutorial broadcasts, access to virtual workshops with well-known artists, and special discounts on ceramic supplies. If you sign up today use the offer code Rambler25 to receive a 25% discount on your first three months. To sign up today visit clayshare.com.