Joseph Sand
Joseph Sand a professional artist originally from Minnesota, after college and interning, began his own pottery business, his passion and achievements in pottery contributed to much success in his creative career. I am pleased to introduce such exquisite wood fired ceramics, by Joseph Sand.
During your undergraduate studies, shifted from graphic design to studio arts. During your senior year, you received a grant to study abroad for your fifth year, during the study experience, what attracted you to ceramics?
Yes, I do prefer more hands-on I realized digital arts did not appeal to me and I took on a studio art internship in England, where I fell in love with studio pottery and became admired with it. When I saw pottery out in the country I realized this can be a sweet occupation. Then after returning from England in 2006 I worked at an apprenticeship for Mark Hewitt a master potter, in Pittsboro North Carolina. I admired the area and took note that one can really make a living with pottery in North Carolina. In 2009 I left the apprenticeship to start my own business in pottery. Pottery was not impacted as much from the economic downfall in 2008. Pottery is recession-proof people appreciate custom-made art and like to treat themselves even if they don't have money.
What themes, colors, or textures you like to express in your pottery?
The clay used is from North Carolina which has been applied in pottery for centuries. I am drawn to nature and aquatic themes. I like incorporating whales, fish, tails, and making it into an abstract and sculptural form I also use seashells as a decoration. Overall, my work is constantly evolving and each day you establish new memories you can apply them to your work and see it evolve. I've always loved the ocean I feel more at peace when I am at the sea. When I get a chance, I like being out in the ocean. My last name is Sand and I've always been a beach type of person.
What is the tallest piece you have created in your pottery?
Six feet in height is the tallest piece I have created it fits close to the height of the kiln which is six feet, three inches in height. Transporting the sculptural pieces into the kiln safely without falling and breaking can be a challenge, not many sculptures have broken but it does happen. My apprentice assists me in carrying the pottery sculptures into the kiln carefully since it's so fragile. Once safely placed, during the firing process the pottery pieces typically shrink fifteen percent, which is about three inches during the kiln process. I built the wood kiln from sketch brick by brick, and the length of the kiln measures about 40 feet long by 8 feet wide.
What is your favorite process in pottery making?
From wheel throwing to hands-on sculptural building, to firing and glazing, it's all exciting! I enjoy the whole process. For instance, with firing the temperature in the kiln goes up to 2,400 degrees after the wood firing process each piece must be washed to remove ash, dust, and residue. Overall, sixty percent of the ceramics I create are sculptural functional both hand build and thirty percent are wheel-thrown pieces. I enjoy making sculptural work moreover wheel throwing. In terms of conceptual style, my work is not traditional but more decorative.
What is your favorite process in pottery making?
From wheel throwing to hands-on sculptural building, to firing and glazing, it's all exciting! I enjoy the whole process. For instance, with firing the temperature in the kiln goes up to 2,400 degrees after the wood firing process each piece must be washed to remove ash, dust, and residue. Overall, sixty percent of the ceramics I create are sculptural functional both hand build and thirty percent are wheel-thrown pieces. I enjoy making sculptural work moreover wheel throwing. In terms of conceptual style, my work is not traditional but more decorative.
I also enjoy selling, the experience is rewarding to see how the customers love and enjoy the art I create. One process I feel most challenging is preparing for a gallery opening, including pricing and the way the pottery is displayed for a show can be a worry for me. The weather can be a concern as it may impact the people who are planning in attending. In terms of people's attendance in previous shows, I've had a lot of success thus far.
How do you promote your work?
I have three pottery shows each year in the spring, summer, and winter shows. In my studio, I own my gallery where I can showcase my work. I have my website visitors are welcome to visit which is https://www.josephsandpottery.com and shop online visit https://www.josephsandpottery.com/insta-hello and my social media page on Instagram at #Josephsandpottery Other ways to promote my work I find extremely helpful is by making connections getting out there, and thru word of mouth. In the pottery world, some collectors will share who they collect, which is pretty sweet in getting noticed. I also have an email list I send out emails to, the gallery definitely represents me and pushes out work. High-end Street Art Fairs across the state helps to meet new customers and hand out business cards too, this type of function certainly helps in getting noticed.
Future goals?
Currently, in my career, my goal is to keep on going. I am experimenting with new glazes, and with a very large kiln testing for the glazing process can be limited, I have a new torquiest glaze that I am excited about introducing. I love what I do.
Thank you, Joseph Sand, for your time. It is amazing to see the process of ceramic work from the studio to the finished display in your gallery. Your dedication results in such beautifully crafted and intricate pottery, I admire your aesthetics and artistic style.
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Best,
Lora the Art Explorer (LAE)
To learn more on the wood firing process in detail visit https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/firing-techniques/wood-kiln-firing/wood-firing-basics/ for more information).
- Lora the Art Explorer
