We had the good fortune of connecting with Karan Witham-Walsh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karan, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My personal philosophy is that I always felt it was important for me to be a practicing artist for my students to see me not just as their teacher, but as an artist who encounters issues in craft and design, and has to solve those issues, just like they do as students. Since I started my YouTube channel, I have realized how my teaching has reached a much bigger audience than I could have ever imagined. My goal is to be a practicing artist and teacher who will continue to present workshops around the country when I retire from my public high school position.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I fell in love with clay in college. I took my first class while taking other art education classes, and I was hooked. I knew I always wanted to work in clay. I was terrible at first, but my desire to constantly learn and practice working in clay made me the potter I am today. I took every workshop in clay I could to learn more and hone my skills. I set up my first home studio 25 years ago, and that was my turning point. When I had my own studio space, I began to create production work. Creating production work was the best thing possible to improve my skills and consistency. I went from hobby potter to professional potter, and really developed my personal style. My overriding goal with creating my pottery is to make functional pottery items to add beauty and joy to people’s lives. Also, I’ve always loved the idea of making the same ancient connections between people from the potter and maker to the user who appreciates the outcome of the final piece.

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.
I have the convenience of living between Cincinnati and Dayton. There are so many things to do within an hours drive! I’d first plan a day of hiking at John Bryan State Park, and after hiking, we’d head over to Yellow Springs to enjoy some of the fun restaurants there! I’d love to plan a day for kayaking too! Maybe even camping?! Our state park lakes offer wonderful camping and beautiful views on the water. Plus, I always love a good campfire. Let’s say we are sticking more around the house… well, I would definitely like to visit some of our great breweries close by. Cartridge Brewing which is part of the old Powder Factory has great brews and food. Warped Wing up in Springboro, in addition to the historical connection to the Wright Brothers and their warped wing technology they developed in their own wind tunnel to test it- has some of the yummiest beer and smoked meats around! If sports are desired, we might go to Cincy and catch the Reds or the Bengals! Going up on Mt. Adams for the beautiful views of the Ohio River, and grabbing a drink at the Blind Lemon is always fun. Sonder brewing in Mason has great brews, and often has some wonderful pop up shows for various artists throughout the year. Summit Park in Blue Ash is always fun, as you can go up in what used to be the observation tower at the former airport turned great park!

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 biggest shoutout goes to my family. I wouldn’t have been able to become the potter and teacher I am without their support. Those late night sessions in the studio wouldn’t be possible without them holding everything together.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaransPotsAndGlass

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karanspotsandglass/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karan-witham-walsh-0aa48b44/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaransPotsAndGl

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KaransPotsAndGlass

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