Photograph by Aarti Manik
HARRISON LEVENSTEIN CERAMIST / WOODFIRE POTTER “My work exists on the threshold between the influence of my hand and the beauty my materials confer on their own. I draw on the language of fine historical craft and functional pottery traditions, and imbue these familiar objects with a sense of wonder evoked by the effects of the woodfired kiln. My training in woodfiring has offered me the working knowledge to harness the technique to my advantage, and the humility to know that the credit for its aesthetic boons can never be wholly mine; it is an elemental collaboration. The process of woodfiring offers the perfect venue for this dance of intention and chance.” Interview by Harryet Candee Harryet Candee: How would you describe your relationship with clay and creating works of art from this material? Many have described working in clay as a poetic rush of sensual experiences, a complicated, sensitive art form from start to finish. Harrison Levenstein: The word relationship is fitting for how I tend to work with clay. I love to create my own clay bodies–mixtures of several materials formulated for specific technical needs and aesthetic goals–and each one asks of me a particular way of working with it. Some coarser stoneware bodies call to be handled heavily, with strength and gesture. Some porcelaneous bodies ask for a more delicate attention to detail and refinement. I ask of the clay to perform in certain ways and it will work with me only if I am open to hearing what it needs as well. Do you wear many hats to make ends meet and to support yourself as an artist? HL: Over the years I’ve worn many hats to support my studio practice, and I’m grateful for the 22 • MAY 2023
THE ARTFUL MIND
Photographs Courtesy of Artist
broad sets of skills and experiences they have afforded me. I’ve worked as a substitute teacher in public schools, a server in a pub, and laid boards for a decking company. I worked as a barista and a bathroom tiler. I was a local handyman for a moment, building and fixing things around a tiny mountain town. I was also an asphalt sealer, and a snow sports instructor. Right now I am so grateful to have part-time work at Simon’s Rock as the Lab Tech, and as adjunct faculty. This consistent paycheck, and access to the studio, equipment, and kilns has helped me live a stable life in the Berkshires while working toward my goal of building my own studio and kiln. What other artistic talents do you put to work these days? HL: As far as the traditional “Arts” go, I am always drawing and sketching as they help me see more clearly. I play the guitar and write songs. You may catch me out in downtown Great Barrington playing the Berkshire Busk! I love to write, and do so on occasion for the Studio Potter
Journal. Generally, I find there can be an art to anything that one does, whether making pottery, drawing, or something not generally regarded as artistic like washing the dishes or folding the laundry. It is a practice of mine to strive to make all experiences artful ones. I get the impression you have a gypsy spirit. Can that be correct? HL: I am unaware of having any real Romani blood in me, but I can certainly appreciate an itinerant lifestyle. Between finishing undergrad in northern California at Humboldt State University in 2014, and moving to the Berkshires in 2020, I never stayed in one place longer than about a year. Clay guided me across states and countries through a smattering of truly special places in search of a well-rounded life and education. I always thought that seeing as many places as possible would make it easier to find the right place to settle down. What I learned, though, is that all places have something unique and special about them, and no single place has all of the things.