Today we’d like to introduce you to Stuart Gair.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in History. Took ceramic classes for fun. Got a random job at a re-enactment center called Hale Farm and Village as a historical interpreter/potter. Had very little experience and had no idea what I was in for! On the first day, I was told that I was to make a series of historically accurate wares, dig and process my own clay, fire a salt kiln and explain to hundreds of visitors each day, what it was that I was doing and what life was like for a potter in early 19th century rural America. This was a LOT to take on but I went with it. Learned quickly. The biggest takeaway for me was that for the first time my interests in history and ceramics came together. I really enjoyed studying a culture/civilization through the pots they made. It felt like a fresh avenue of studying a culture that I wasn’t exposed to in my history courses in college. Since this incredible experience, I have studied the forms/uses of pots from all different culture and related it to my own work. Over the past few years, I have spent time in Nebraska, Montana and Massachusetts making work, digging local clays and sharing my story/techniques. Currently, I am an artist in residence at Harvard University. I have a studio space and teach classes (one for beginners and one for advanced students-using a special clay that can withstand be cooked using an open flame).
Upcoming Events:
Solo Exhibition, Gallery 224, Allston, Harvard Ceramic Studio, July 13th (opening) to August 13th (closing reception)
Dual Show, Hand Code: Makers in Proximity, live Exhibition, Gallery 224, Happening now through March 23.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not a smooth road at all! Difficult to figure out how to transition from history to ceramics. Especially because I didn’t get a degree in ceramics. I’ve been traveling the country giving workshops/talks and meeting new people. The longer I’ve been in the field, the more opportunities have presented themselves. It’s been great to meet people/galleries who are moved by my work and are willing to take a risk on me (sell my work in a gallery or purchase multiple pieces).
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stuart Gair Ceramics – what should we know?
I am my own business. Promote myself primarily through social media, which has a been a great way to reach people all over.
I make pots on the wheel and then soda fire them, a process in which raw (unglazed pots) are placed in the kiln and fired. The result is that the flames path is shown on the surface of the pot and there is a natural variation in color and texture on the surface of each piece. Each piece look different depending on where it was placed in the kiln. The technique of soda firing has only been around since the 1970’s so, it is a new way of firing. I like the fact that new things are being discovered everyday with this technique of firing and I am excited to make discoveries of my own!
I also teach (classes and workshops). I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I know with others. Not only techniques of making/firing but also how past cultures used pots and how we use pots today.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Brad Schwieger has been my greatest mentor. Was my ceramics professor as an undergraduate student. Saw my passion for ceramics (and history) and helped show me that I could actually make a living studying both ceramics AND history. Encouraged me to apply for the position at Hale Farm. After graduating from college, he gave me the opportunity to stay for an extra (informal) year to make work, assist him in the studio, and learn about the different paths to make a living as an artist. He has continued to be a great mentor as I move through my career. Still talk on the phone and we visit each other often. Without Brad, I would not be making pots today.
Contact Info:
- Website: stuartgair.com
- Email: stuartgairceramics@gmail.com
- Instagram: @stuartgair
- Facebook: stuart gair
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