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Working Knowledge #19 Jennifer Mecca October 23 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Jen and I talk about art school, dyslexia, porcelain, throwing pots, determination, maker mamas, blogging, the great unlearn, feminine pots and trying to do everything.

Working Knowledge #19- episode link

Jen's Song - "Hey Mama" by Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

Find Jen-

IG @jenmecca

FB Jennifer Mecca

ETSY Jenniferlawlermeccapottery

www.jennifermeccapottery.com

Links to topics we discussed in the interview-

Thrown Together Potters on IG @throwntogetherpotters

Syracuse China ( couldn't find a single link to share)

Working Knowledge #18 Staci Sawyer Phebus October 15 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Staci and I talk about the evolution of our industry, the slow burn into running a business, tools, obsessions, diatoms, the intimacy of metalsmithing, therapy and change.

Working Knowledge #18- episode link

Staci's Song/s - "Shark Smile" by Big Thief, "Do for Love" by Tupac, "Oprah" by Rapsody and "Deep" by Lizzo

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

Links to topics we discussed in the interview-

Sisters Art Guild on IG @sistersartguild

Ernst Haeckel

That's Exactly How I Feel by Lizzo

 

 

 

 

 

Working Knowledge #16 Show Origins and Lessons learned October 09 2020, 0 Comments

     On March 13, 2020 the first of many dramatic changes to my plans for the year began to unfold. It became quickly evident that the life ( personal and professional) that I had been living was going to change dramatically, as I imagine might be  true for you too.
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     Almost immediately I began to feel the loss of connection that my life is built around. Connection with people and places on the road as I travel. I found myself longing for so much...making eye contact with someone I hadn't seen in a while, those surprisingly intimate conversations that happen at shows, belly laughing with my incredible peers, couch surfing, crying with strangers as we connect, the tidbits ( some of which come at the most poignant moments) gained from listening, the good food, new adventures and even the shows themselves ( the anticipation, having something to work toward and even the set-up itself).
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So many ideas, emotions and heartbreaks swirled through those early weeks (and months).... 
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      Immediately I realized that I had to be far more intentional about my communications, that they couldn't be passive anymore. This revelation got me thinking about intentionality and connection.... and then just how damn lucky I am to know so many amazing people..... brilliant, talented, fear-less, vulnerable, warm, kind, bad-ass, hard working, creative people. And furthermore, I started to realize,  that I was going to need them to survive this.
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     The concept for "Working Knowledge" was starting to form. From the beginning it was always going to be about direct, intentional, honest conversations. I  knew instinctively that I wanted ( and needed) to see the person's face. Non-verbal communication; eye contact, body language, emotional reaction, were all things that had to happen. One Saturday as I was moving out of one studio and into another I stumbled upon a live conversation on IG between two potters ( Amy Sanders and Jen Mecca). I fell right into listening and giggling; just knowing that the conversation was happening in that moment brought me so much joy! I knew then that I wanted to do a live interview show with my peers. 
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     Coming up with the title, questions, and logistics was simultaneously exciting and frustrating with my brain on hyperdrive with the potential of it all. I had a lengthy "working" list of potential show titles, mostly bad, maybe a couple with potential. Then the idea of working knowledge came - a concept that, for me, represents knowing, while always being open to learning more.. an evolving knowledge. "Working Knowledge" as a title and concept took hold. 
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     This is my 16th episode, which to be honest, boggles my mind. I am eternally grateful for this experience and all of the amazing people that have given their time and stories to help me manifest this project. I have learned and gained so much; I have cried, and danced, and laughed, and learned. I have been held to account and had conversations that I might never have had under different circumstances. I see trends and commonalities in these creatives, but also vastly divergent experiences. Some of these folks are people that I talk with regularly and others are faces that I haven't seen in years. I look forward each week to the authenticity that each person brings.
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     Thus far "Working Knowledge" has been exactly what I needed it to be. It is a weekly reminder that though things are tough, down right unpalatable at times, I am not alone. I am part of a community of incredibly kind, resilient , vulnerable, charitable, thoughtful makers. I have asked this people ( my friends and acquaintances) to be so open at an already painfully vulnerable time and they all stepped up and shared their stories. 
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     If you are a listener- Thank You! I hope that one of the interviews gave you something that you needed and I hope you will keep listening because there is so much more to come.
Erica

Working Knowledge #17 Annie Howe October 09 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Annie and I discuss white privilege, paper cutting, affordable healthcare, get out the vote, industry standards and collaboration.

Working Knowledge #17- episode link

Annie's Song - Lower Dens "Hand of God"

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

 

Instagram @anniehowepapercuts

Facebook Annie-Howe-Papercuts

Website- www.anniehowepapercuts.com

Here are some links to things we talked about

Podcast- No Pix After Dark @nopixafterdark_llc with host Aaron Dante 

Virtual Craft Fair - Holiday Heap Dec. 4-6

Voter registration information- headcount.org

Ani Difranco song- Do or Die

 

Working Knowledge #15 Tiffany Coley September 30 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Tiffany and I talk about being in business, creative blocks, artist education, embarrassing moments, and good friends.

Working Knowledge #15- episode link

Tiffany's Song "As" originally by Stevie Wonder but Mary J. Blige and George Michael also do a nice cover

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

@tpcoleyjewelry

 tiffany@tiffanycoley.com

tiffanycoley.com

Working Knowledge #14 Laura Wood September 30 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Laura and I talk about the little moments that help you see your direction, finding the space to explore, the power and relevance of jewelry in our lives, and the fact that there is “ a seat at the table for everyone”.

Working Knowledge #14- episode link

Laura's Song Hungry Hippo by Tierra Whack

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

laurawoodstudios.com

laurawoodstudios@gmail.com

@laurawoodstudios on Insta and FB

 

 

Working Knowledge #13 David Harper Clemons September 30 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as David and I talk about early artistic influences, being given the space to thrive, social unrest , conceptual and political work, crafts in academia and loss.

Working Knowledge #13- episode link

David's Song/s The Talking Heads: "Once in a Lifetime" or PJ Harvey: "(M-Bike) Motorbike"

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

www.davidharperclemons.com

@harperclemons (Instagram) , David Harper Clemons (Facebook), davidharperclemons@gmail.com

Working Knowledge #12 Mariella Luz September 10 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Mariella and I  talk pots, being a creative business owner, being true to yourself and racism in the art world.

Working Knowledge #12- episode link

Mariella's Song “Superpower” Beyonce

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

The postcard we discussed was by @adamjk and can be found here

You can Mariella-

IG @mariella_luz

 mariellaluz@gmail.com

mbuenopottery.com

Working Knowledge #11 Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press August 27 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Val and I talk about letter press printing, reduction print making, good tools, tidbits on printmaking history, foraging and moving forward.

Working Knowledge #11- episode link

Val's Song "Stranger" by The Devil Makes Three

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Val-

IG- @bowerbox

FB- /BowerboxPress

bowerbox@gmail.com

bowerbox.com

charmcitycraftmafia.com - For deets about the Holiday Heap

Podcasts

Ologies with Alie Ward

Anthropocene Reviewed- John Green

 

 

 

Working Knowledge #10 Laurie Caffery August 20 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Laurie and I talk about functional pots, creating space, marketing and business, authenticity and the huge impact of small lessons.

Working Knowledge #10- episode link

Larie's song is "Shine" by Raiche

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Laurie -

Instagram: @lauriecaffery.clay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriecaffery

Twitter: @ lauriecaffery

Email: lauriecaffery@gmail.com

Web: lauriecaffery.com

Working Knowledge #9 Dustin Massey August 20 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Dustin and I talk about Instagram and content creation, painting vs. digital, prolific making and how we got here( the people who held us up).

Working Knowledge #9- Episode link

Dustin's song Wrong by Archers of Loaf

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Dustin at @dustinleemassey on IG  www.lmasseyart.space www.patreon.com/Dlmasseyart

Working Knowledge #8 Jessica C. White July 30 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Jessica and I as we talk about letter press printing, the hustle, migration, family stories and professional evolution.

Working Knowledge #8- episode link

Jessica's song is Lovely Day by Bill withers

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Jessica @jessicacwhite in Instagram and Twitter and at her website

Here is a link to "Information Desk" the print that I got all misty about in the interview.

Working Knowledge #7 Corey Pemberton and Crafting the Future July 23 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Corey and I talk about his painting practice, glass blowing in LA, the effect of small transgressions, creating an inclusive crafting community and Crafting the Future.

Working Knowledge #7- Episode link

Corey's song "Before I Let Go"  Beyonce

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Corey at www.coreypemberton.com   @instantglassic or by email at   pemberton.corey@gmail.com

You can find more information about Crafting the Future on Instagram @crafting_the_future and  @bettertogether_la  or on their website   www.craftingthefuture.org

Here is a link to the painting "Tomorrow Will Be Just As Long", spend some time with it.

Virtual Pop-up Event July 23 2020, 0 Comments

Piedmont Craftsmen is excited to present their first ever Virtual Fair on

Saturday, July 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm EDT!

Join me and more than 30 of PCI's Exhibiting Member Artists taking part in this live virtual event. Shoppers and visitors will be able to interact with each Craft Artist face-to-face from their studios, through easily accessible chat rooms via our Virtual Fair platform.
To visit the Virtual Fair, all you need is a smart phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection. Click on the link to pre-register:https://my.boothcentral.com/v/events/piedmont-craftsmen-virtual-summer-fair Enter your name and email address, and they’ll send you reminders as the event approaches.
This event is free to attend.
So mark your calendar for July 25, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00PM EDT! 

Visit https://my.boothcentral.com/v/events/piedmont-craftsmen-virtual-summer-fair to register.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS INCLUDE:
FIBERS: Wendy Allen aka Miss Fitt, Deborah Bryant Handwoven, Feltmaker Sharron Parker, John Gunther Weavings, and Basketmaker Jerry Maxey.
CLAY: Cathy Kiffney, David Voorhees, Ayla Mullen, Christina Bendo, Wendy Wrenn Werstlein, Zan Barnes, Michele Hastings & Jeff Brown, Bulldog Pottery (Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke), Karen Fincannon, Steven Summerville, Adrina Richard, and Judy Robkin.
JEWELRY: Hannah Long, Sandra McEwen, Erica Stankwytch Bailey, Melanie Miller aka The Alchemist's Garden, Annie Grimes Williams/Coppertide Jewelry, and Cindy Miller.
WOOD: Luthier David Finck, Brian Bortz of Lost Art Woodworks, and Ray Jones
MIXED MEDIA: Renee Calder, book artist Anne McLean, photographer/weaver Emerald Estock, FOBOTS Amy Flynn.
PLUS: Knifemaker Tim Britton, and glass artist Ronnie Hughes.
For questions about Piedmont Craftsmen's Virtual Fair contact us at info@piedmontcraftsmen.org. 

Working Knowledge #6 Jason Janow July 23 2020, 0 Comments

Technology won this time and our interview was lost to the ether. I hope to get a second chance to chat with this amazing human, but until then enjoy his song and be sure to check out his work.

Working Knowledge #6- :(

Jason's song "The Life You Chose" Jason Isbell

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Jason @Janowmetalsmithing on Instagram and JanowMetalsmithing on Facebook or on his website 

Working Knowledge #5 Karmimadeebora McMillan July 09 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Mima and I talk about being creatives, representation, the need to make and so much more.

Working Knowledge #5- episode link

Karmimadeebora's song "The Climb" (feat. Thundercat) by Flying Lotus

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Karmimadeebora @kmimad and email karmimamcmillan@gmail.com

Working Knowledge #4 Rosa Murillo July 02 2020, 0 Comments

Join me as I chat with Rosa Murillo of Muro Jewelry about her creative process, innovative ways to connect and the joy of creating jewelry.

Working Knowledge #4 - episode link

Rosa's song- "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

Find Rosa @murojewelry on Instagram and Twitter or at her website www.murojewelry.com

Working Knowledge #3 Tavia Brown June 26 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Tavia and I talk about studio dynamics, internal ( and external) struggles with validity and parenting while solo-entreprenuering. 

Working Knowledge #3- episode links (hahaha, we like to talk) Part 1 and Part 2

Tavia's Song- "Bambi" by Hippo Campus

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

Find Tavia @taviametal on Instagram and Facebook or on her website at www.taviametal.com

Working Knowledge #2 Willie Daugherty June 26 2020, 0 Comments

Willie Daugherty- The Neighborhood Chef

Listen as Willie and I discuss food, music, legacy and trying to see light in the darkness.

Working Knowledge #2- episode link

Willie's Song- "Power Freaks" by Jean Dawson

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Willie @the_neighborhood_chef on Instagram or by email at theneighborhoodchef.tn@gmail.com

Working Knowledge #1 with Annie Grimes Williams June 26 2020, 0 Comments

Listen as Annie and I talk about enamel, pivoting and the crazy choices we all make when starting our business'. 

Working Knowledge #1- episode link

Annie's Song-"Shake It Out" by Florence+The Machine

Working Knowledge Playlist on Spotify

You can find Annie @coppertide on IG or on her website at www.coppertide.net 

 

Working Knowledge June 25 2020, 0 Comments

“Working Knowledge” is a set of questions and answers…...a quick interview show amongst friends (who just happen to be solo entrepreneurs/creatives/makers/artists/chefs and visionaries). I love people’s stories, especially those that formed the way they work, what they do, or what they love. I want to spend a little time asking my brilliant friends some pretty simple questions and I know that they will have something to say that we all might like or need to hear, so I am sharing these conversations with you. 

You can find all of my interviews on my IGTV channel Working Knowledge

As as part of the interview process I ask each guest to share one song to add to our Working Knowledge playlist. Music is so important to me and I am loving getting the opportunity to learn about and listen to new music and some old favorites. Click below for a link to the playlist on Spotify.

Spotify Playlist

 

 

Donation= Free Earrings June 11 2020, 0 Comments

Donate $30 or more to a cause that elevates the lives(life) of people of color and I will send you a FREE pair of Arch earrings. Donations are just a small part of the work that needs to be done, but it is something that we can do right now and it is a good FIRST step. 


Please know that in addition to using my hands and resources to raise money for Black Lives, I am also on a journey of education, awareness and action. I encourage you to do the same. 


If you’re unsure who to donate to, check out some of the organizations listed below, they are all doing really good things.


  1. Crafting the Future, www.craftingthefuture.org 

“Crafting the Future is a collective of artists concerned about the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the fields of craft, art, and design. We started this organization because we were tired of feeling helpless. Alone we can not make change, but together we can. Working together and combining our resources, we support the careers of young, underrepresented artists by connecting them to opportunities that will help them thrive.”

  1. The Loveland Foundation, www.thelovelandfoundation.org 

“The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve.”

  1. Black Visions Collective, www.blackvisionsmn.org 

“Black Visions Collective envisions a world in which ALL Black Lives Matter. We use the guidance and brilliance of our ancestors as well as the teachings of our own experiences to pursue our commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and violence. We are determined in our pursuit of dignity and equity for all.” 

  1. Campaign Zero, www.joincampaignzero.org 

“A comprehensive package of urgent policy solutions - informed by data, research and human rights principles - can change the way police serve our communities.”

  1. BOLD, www.boldorganizing.org 

“BOLD (Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity) is a non-profit organization that facilitates social transformation and improves the living conditions of Black people by (re)building the social justice infrastructure required to organize Black communities.”

  1. People’s Advocacy Institute, www.peoplesadvocacyinstitute.com 

“The People's Advocacy Institute is a community resource and training incubator for transformation justice in the global south. Through community lead initiatives we inspire self-determination and community-driven solutions to crime creating a more just system and a more effective way to prevent, respond and heal from physical and systematic harm.”


Details about how to receive your free earrings can be found on Instagram or Facebook.

Artist Spotlight at Mora Collection... so exciting!!! September 01 2017, 0 Comments

September Spotlight
Erica Stankwytch Bailey

Meet the jeweler and enjoy an expanded collection for a limited time.

Opening Reception
Friday, September 8, 5:00-8:00 pm

Exhibition
September 1-30, 2017

 

Winter Residency January 12 2017, 0 Comments

I just spend an amazing, abundant, inspiring 7 days doing the Winter Residency at Penland School of Crafts in the mountains of NC. I honestly cannot think of a better way to start my year than 15 hour days spent in a studio surrounded by really great tools and incredibly dedicated artists- experimenting, pushing boundaries, failing and succeeding. I want to put in words what makes that experience so powerful- I don’t know that I can do it justice.

I seem to be into lists lately so I will go at it that way:

Dedicated, intentional time

Well-equipped space

Beautiful landscape

Shared drive

Amazing people

Long uninterrupted days

Set intentions

Openness to experimentation and failure

Conversations with tears, laughter, beautiful nerdiness, the obsessions of makers…

The history of that place and seeing the work of creative hands everywhere

Snow falling

Early morning silence so thick that the wind sounds like a train

Hot Gingerade

Meeting Elizabeth Brim

Having a family that supports me wholly.

 While at Penland an article was shared with me about stress reduction and happiness by a fellow artist Laura Fortune. I really enjoyed the article and was truly struck by the segment on gratitude. The basic idea is that being grateful, even just wondering what we might be grateful for, releases dopamine and serotonin in our brains helping to focus on the happier things. Gratitude is my guiding force these days- just can’t help but feel and be abundantly grateful for the opportunities, experiences and people in my life.

Snow Days/Studio Days January 11 2017, 0 Comments

 

Lila and I in the studio on a snow day....... I can't say I got all that much accomplished but I sure did enjoy watching those little hands emulate mine.

A belly full of gratitude January 10 2017, 0 Comments

I ate many meals while at Penland that were prepared for me by women in my life, women, who had invited me to their homes in the days before I departed for dinners and celebrations. And as we said our farewells kindly boxed me up delicious food to take on my adventure. Women I am grateful for and inspired by. Makers and Mamas who work tirelessly with their hands to create things that change the landscape.

I grew up in a family of warm and loving women who feed you from their hearts and the labor of their hands and always send you home with leftovers. That expression of love is so deeply ingrained in me.

I wanted to share a delicious cold weather soup recipe from my friend Lara Nguyen

Apple, Carrot, Pumpkin and Coconut Soup

Carmelize One Thinly Sliced Onion in Olive Oil and Sea Salt - Remove to cool
Saute 4 Chopped Carrots Still Soft and 2 Green Apples till Warmed - Add Back the Onions

Add 1 heaping tsp. of Yellow Curry Powder and 1 minced garlic clove till fragrant

Add 1 can of coconut cream or milk (I did cream from Trader Joes)

Turn off Heat - Pour mixture in a blender and blend till smooth.

Return mixture to pot

Add 1 can of pumpkin puree

Add 4-5 cups of mushroom or vegetable broth stir and add 2-3 bay leaves.

Heat on Medium to a boil - Season to taste with salt, pepper, brown sugar… and I usually stir in a tablespoon of olive oil after I turn off the heat.

2015 December 28 2015, 0 Comments

Thank you for a wonderful year!

As 2015 draws to an end I just wanted to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the wonderful people that make it possible for me to live a makers life.

Joyful Holidays and a Happy New Year from my family to yours!

                                                                             warm regards,

                                                                             

Holding on the the past August 31 2015, 0 Comments

One of the things I enjoy about blogging (though I don't do it nearly enough) is the chronological record of events that it leaves behind. It is fun looking back in time, like rummaging through old sketchbooks. I am adding a link to my old blog to keep the story connected. ericastankwytchbailey.blogspot.com

New Website May 22 2013, 0 Comments

                                                                     

I am so incredibly excited to launch my new website . For the first time ever all of my online endeavors (site, shop, blog,class listing, etc.) will be in one place. This e-commerce site is so long overdue. I have had so many conversations with customers , artists, and other professionals in which we all agree that in today's market you must have an online store. I have great hopes that this new site will make things easier for my buyers, my customers and myself.

I am definitely looking for and open to feedback about the site, it can only be great if you guys let me know what works and what doesn't. Thanks in advance for looking through the site. I hope you enjoy it, I have had a great and challenging time putting it together.  

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

Recent Articles

Working Knowledge #19 Jennifer Mecca Posted on October 23, 2020

Working Knowledge #18 Staci Sawyer Phebus Posted on October 15, 2020

Working Knowledge #16 Show Origins and Lessons learned Posted on September 30, 2020

Working Knowledge #17 Annie Howe Posted on October 09, 2020

Working Knowledge #15 Tiffany Coley Posted on September 30, 2020

Working Knowledge #14 Laura Wood Posted on September 30, 2020

Working Knowledge #13 David Harper Clemons Posted on September 10, 2020

Working Knowledge #12 Mariella Luz Posted on September 10, 2020

Working Knowledge #11 Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press Posted on August 27, 2020

Working Knowledge #10 Laurie Caffery Posted on August 20, 2020

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