Meet the Maker: Patrick Thompson
In this series of features, we catch up with the ceramic artists we work closely with and share introspections into their creative processes.
Patrick Thompson is based in Columbus, Ohio, and he has worked with us for many years now to bring his beautiful, organic style of pottery into our shops.
How did you get to become a ceramic artist?
My great-grandmother was an artist, and we had numerous items she created around our home. She was accomplished in two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. I loved hearing stories of how she used to fire her own pottery. Later, I came to acquire many of her pieces. At age 15, I was fortunate that in high school we had a great arts program. I spent every moment I could in the ceramic room. Wanting to be a proficient potter seemed like something that I kept chasing after—even if it was not apparent at the time. My mother and grandparents purchased my first potters wheel for me after graduation so that I could continue to make work at home. This is the wheel I still use in my studio 20 years later.
Was working with ceramics always where you saw yourself?
Not necessarily. I kind of felt like a lost soul for a very long time. I was always spacing out and doodling. Tinkering with tools in my grandfather’s wood shop was another way for me to see the results of working with my hands. I’m not sure if I was actually allowed in there, but I used to sneak in a lot when I visited their home. I always felt like doing something creative with my hands would be in my future, but I just couldn’t see that far down my journey.
Were you born and raised in Columbus? If not, how did you end in Columbus? What are your favorite parts of living there?
I was not born in Ohio or raised here. I spent most of my formative years in Indianapolis, and, for the most part, stayed there until I was about 33 years old. My oldest daughter moved to Columbus with her mother, stepfather, and brother. We were all living in Indianapolis at the time. I had always said that I would not be further than a 30 minute drive from her after her mother and I separated. So, when the time came for them to relocate for her stepfather’s job, my wife and I quickly followed. It was a bit daunting moving to a new city, however I quickly realized that I would never be without coffee or plants here in Columbus. I think that the coffee scene and the entrepreneur spirit here are my favorite parts of Columbus. Both of those things have kept me motivated and energized.
What are your biggest influences when creating work? Is there a certain culture or art movement that you mainly look to when drawing inspiration?
I have had many things inspire me in the years I’ve been making work. Everything from architecture and organic forms, to mid-century modern industrial design and the Kinfolk-slow lifestyle. I enjoy simplicity in design now, which is a departure from my past work where I was trying to hone techniques and experiment with form, glaze, and limits of the clay material. My past work was definitely influenced by Chris Gustin, Tom and Elaine Coleman, and Danny Meisinger.
What projects are you currently working on? What are your future ambitions?
I am currently working on expanding my design options when creating inventory for my personal website in addition to keeping up with reoccurring orders for local shops such as STUMP and Pistacia Vera. I have also found myself in fortunate circumstances where custom orders have crossed my path, and I have met some amazing people in the process. My future ambition is to make larger scale work and continue to make items that will live with the client—I say “live,” because I intend for these items to be used as decoration and everyday wares.
What are your favorite words to live by?
ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS: “Art is long, life is short.” I love these words because I intend for my items to last generations, and I hope they are passed down as heirloom items. They are not intended to contribute to the throwaway aspect of mass production. They are intended to have a unique, sustainable, and durable presence in the home. Basically, I want people to love what they have brought into their home for years.
What is the most exciting part of your work?
The result of the final glaze fire. That is where the magic happens. There is nothing else like opening a kiln and seeing the incubation period of making and designing culminate into a finished piece of art. The results can be predictable, but there are slight variations in every glaze fire. I think this is what continues to drive every potter. The ability to always be experimenting and trying new techniques is an endless road.
What would your advice be for anyone interested in making ceramics?
I would say that taking a class at a local art center and getting to know the medium is a great idea. I have been witness to so many people that invest too much money too quickly, trying to have everything to make ceramics when the craftsmanship skills are not yet honed, or the knowledge has yet to be acquired to finish the process. There are so many great resources at these centers for the interested person to experiment with in order to see what process makes them excited. You are bound to find one!
Photos provided by Patrick Thompson