Warren Mackenzie on a lifetime in clay and what makes a good pot

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with one of the most influential members of the American studio pottery movement, Warren Mackenzie. After an early apprenticeship at the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, Cornwall (1949-1952), Mackenzie became a ceramic professor at the University of Minnesota (1953-1990). During his nearly four-decade tenure at the school, he influenced generations of students including Michael Simon, Randy Johnston, Mark Pharis and many more. At 91 he continues to make pots in his studio in Stillwater, MN.

In the interview we talk about his time at the Leach Pottery, pricing for domestic wares, and his thoughts on what makes a good pot. Many thanks to the Northern Clay Center for their help in making this interview happen. For more information on the ceramic programming they offer please visit www.northernclaycenter.org.