We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Kaplan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, why did you pursue a creative career?
All of the questions are really good. Why did I choose ceramics?
I went to a coeducational Quaker boarding school instead of public high school where I was a terrific underachiever. I needed an arts class to graduate and they had a ceramics class. I was immediately hooked, derailing whatever desire I might have had to be a physician.
Over my career, I have learned that people and relationships are the most important things. I have been very lucky to follow my muse for a very long time.
I was always motivated to learn about everything in ceramics, and chose an academic route for my BFA and MFA. Everything else I learned by doing, making every possible mistake, many times over. I have worn many hats in the ceramics field, including owning a ceramic design and manufacturing company for 16 years. And yes while my life has been ceramic centric, I telemark ski, ride my road bike, and aspire to learn flamenco guitar.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a ceramic designer, gallerist, educator, ceramic artist/potter, author, and mentor to many. I have made a diverse body of work throughout my career, driven to make objects that are both highly designed and impeccably crafted. I look in awe at the symmetries of culture and am humbled by what remains as historical evidence in clay. With an acknowledgement of that deep history of ceramics, I endeavor to make choices in my work that will continue to engage and interest me, and hopefully others. I am honored to be a part of this continuum and constantly reinvent my work by challenging myself. My studio practice has evolved over many years and it is important to always include others with me on this journey. I am very lucky to have a successful career. I have been fortunate to work in the ceramics field for 50 years. This would not have been possible to sustain this lengthy and satisfying ceramic career if it were not for my family, teachers, mentors who guided me with their experience, encouragement, and wisdom throughout my education. I am also deeply indebted to the many students and colleagues who continue to encourage and challenge me.
I also curate Plinth Gallery in RiNo, a carefully curated collection of contemporary ceramic art
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Coffee – Crema Thai food – US Thai
Israeli Food – Safta
BBQ – Smok
Best Burger – Butcher Block
Best Sushi – Banzai Sushi
Best Pizza-BSB
Best Lasagna – Balistreri Vineyard
Bars
Safta
38
BSB
Hang Out
RiNo
DAM
Botanic Garden
REI (of course)
Red Rocks
Museum of Contemporary Art
Clifford Still Museum
Kirkland
Mt Evans
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My long time mentor Joe Zeller, family, and friends.
Website: plinthgallery.com
Instagram: plinthgllery
Facebook: Plinth Gallery
Image Credits
all photos by Jonathan Kaplan except (reading left to right #4 DAVID HOLLOWAY #6 NORMAN DILLON