Ballsy Epidode 6: Curt Hammerly Part 1

Summary

In the 'Ballsy' podcast, the host interviews Kurt Hammerly, a former entrepreneur turned ceramic artist. Hammerly discusses his unique approach to ceramics, combining 3D modeling and printing to create intricate molds. He shares his journey from a hobbyist to a full-time artist, driven by the desire to create pieces with geometric perfection unattainable by traditional wheel throwing. The podcast delves into his business insights, marketing strategies, and the pivotal moment when he decided to monetize his passion, propelled by a significant Instagram following and the thrill of selling his first piece.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcast 'Ballsy' focuses on interviewing successful artists and creators, discussing the business side of their art practices.
• 🤝 The host, a former entrepreneur turned artist, believes that being an artist is akin to running a business, with the artist as the CEO.
• 🏺 Kurt Hammerly, the guest, initially considered various crafts before choosing ceramics due to its accessible entry through community studios.
• 🛠️ Hammerly's work involves using slipcast molds and 3D modeling to create unique porcelain pieces that are geometrically complex and cannot be easily replicated by traditional wheel throwing.
• 💡 His background in design and running a fabrication lab at a university contributed to his innovative approach to ceramics, combining digital design with traditional craft.
• 🔥 Hammerly's goal is to create art that others cannot, using his unique process, which includes designing in the computer, 3D printing molds, and handcrafting the final pieces.
• 📸 Hammerly shares his process openly on social media, believing that imitation is a form of flattery and that his unique methods and techniques are difficult to replicate.
• 🛑 He started his artistic journey as a hobby after a serious accident, which left him with time to explore new interests and led to his discovery of ceramics.
• 💰 The decision to sell his work came after building a significant following on Instagram, where people expressed interest in purchasing his creations.
• 🛍️ Hammerly's first sale was a significant milestone, marking the transition from hobbyist to professional artist, and he found the experience of selling his work exhilarating.
• 🚀 The podcast emphasizes the importance of turning a passion into a profitable business, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed as an artist.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Ballsy' podcast?

The 'Ballsy' podcast focuses on interviewing successful artists and creators, discussing the business aspects of their art, including marketing strategies and the courage it takes to make a living from their craft.

How did Kurt Hammerly get started with ceramics?

Kurt Hammerly began with ceramics because it had the easiest barriers of entry due to the availability of community studios that offer classes. Initially, he considered blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodworking, but ceramics was more accessible.

What unique aspect does Kurt Hammerly bring to his ceramic work?

Kurt Hammerly incorporates 3D modeling and 3D printing into the creation of his ceramic molds, designing all forms on the computer first, which allows him to create geometrically perfect and symmetrical pieces that are difficult to achieve on a pottery wheel.

Why does Kurt Hammerly share his entire creative process openly?

Kurt Hammerly shares his process openly because he believes that the barriers to entry he has overcome are difficult for others to replicate, and he is not worried about being copied. He also sees imitation as a form of flattery.

What was the turning point for Kurt Hammerly to consider ceramics as more than just a hobby?

The turning point for Kurt Hammerly was when he had accumulated 12,000 Instagram followers and people started asking if he would sell his work, which led him to create an Etsy shop and begin selling his pieces.

How did Kurt Hammerly's accident influence his journey into ceramics?

After being involved in a serious accident that left him with injuries and unable to do his usual activities, Kurt took a pottery class as a way to get out of the house. This led to his sketchbook filling with pottery ideas and eventually to his unique approach to ceramics.

What is Kurt Hammerly's educational background related to his work?

Kurt Hammerly attended design school and later ran a fabrication lab at a university for 10 years, where he gained experience in 3D modeling and 3D printing, skills that he later applied to his ceramic work.

What is special about the kiln Kurt Hammerly uses for his ceramics?

Kurt Hammerly uses a very expensive gas computer-controlled kiln that was built in Amsterdam and shipped to him. This kiln allows him to make all his own glazes and has been central to his learning of glaze chemistry and firing techniques.

How does Kurt Hammerly view the concept of competition in the art world?

Kurt Hammerly views the art world as non-competitive, stating that each artist is in their own lane. He is not concerned about others copying his process unless they produce an exact replica of his work at a lower price point.

What was Kurt Hammerly's initial reaction to selling his ceramic pieces?

Kurt Hammerly felt an immense sense of excitement and accomplishment when he sold his first piece, describing it as the most addicting and exciting thing he had ever experienced.

How does Kurt Hammerly's background in fabrication and design influence his approach to ceramics?

Kurt Hammerly's background in fabrication and design has allowed him to apply technical skills and creativity to ceramics, resulting in a unique process that involves computer-aided design and 3D printing to create complex ceramic forms.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 From Entrepreneur to Artist: Embracing the Business of Art

The podcast 'Ballsy' is introduced, where the host interviews successful artists about the business side of their art. The focus is on how artists can be like CEOs of their own businesses. The guest, Kurt Hammerly, is introduced as a ceramic artist who uses 3D modeling and 3D printing to create unique porcelain pieces. Hammerly's background in design and fabrication is highlighted, as well as his approach to creating art that is distinct from traditional pottery due to its geometrical perfection and symmetry. The podcast aims to explore the business and marketing strategies that have allowed Hammerly to turn his passion into a profitable career.

05:02

🛠 The Accidental Artist: From Tragedy to Creative Triumph

In this paragraph, Kurt Hammerly recounts how a severe accident led him to discover his passion for pottery. After being hit by a car and suffering multiple injuries, he took a pottery class as a way to recover physically and mentally. Hammerly's journey from a hobbyist to a professional artist is detailed, including his use of 3D modeling and 3D printing to revolutionize the creation of ceramic molds. The narrative also touches on his decision to share his process openly, his philosophy on imitation, and the barriers to entry he has overcome, such as owning a sophisticated kiln and mastering the chemistry of glazes. Hammerly's transition from a full-time university job to selling his art on Etsy is highlighted, emphasizing the excitement of his first sale and the realization that his art could be a viable career.

Keywords

💡Ballsy

Ballsy is a colloquial term used to describe someone or something that is bold or daring. In the context of the podcast, it is both the title and a central theme, emphasizing the courage and risk-taking involved in pursuing a career in art. The host uses 'ballsy' to describe the guests' decisions to sell their art and run their practices as profitable businesses.

💡Artist as CEO

The concept of the 'artist as CEO' suggests that an artist is not only the creator but also the manager and decision-maker of their business. This idea is central to the podcast's theme, highlighting the entrepreneurial aspect of being an artist. The host, a former entrepreneur turned artist, interviews successful creators who have turned their art into profitable businesses.

💡Ceramics

Ceramics refers to the art of making objects from clay that is fired at high temperatures. In the script, the guest artist, Kurt Hammerly, discusses choosing ceramics as his medium due to its accessibility and the ease of entry through community studios. Ceramics is a significant part of the narrative as it is the medium through which the artist expresses his creativity and runs his business.

💡Slipcasting

Slipcasting is a method of ceramic production where liquid clay is poured into a plaster mold to create a form. The artist, Kurt Hammerly, uses this technique to create his unique porcelain pieces. The script mentions slipcasting as part of the artist's process, which is a key aspect of his work and distinguishes his approach from traditional wheel-throwing.

💡3D Modeling

3D modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object using specialized software. Kurt Hammerly incorporates 3D modeling into his ceramic work, designing his forms on the computer before creating molds. This technique is a significant part of his artistic process and contributes to the uniqueness of his creations.

💡3D Printing

3D printing is a manufacturing process where an object is created by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model. In the script, Hammerly uses 3D printing technology to produce molds for his ceramic pieces, combining modern technology with traditional ceramics to create unique art forms.

💡Geometric Perfection

Geometric perfection refers to the precise and symmetrical shapes that are difficult to achieve through manual methods. Hammerly aims to create ceramic pieces with geometric perfection, symmetry, and hard edges that are not typically possible with wheel-throwing, setting his work apart from traditional ceramic art.

💡Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos. In the script, the artist uses Instagram to showcase his work, process videos, and gain followers. The platform plays a crucial role in his marketing strategy and in building a community interested in his art.

💡Etsy

Etsy is an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. Hammerly mentions creating an Etsy shop to sell his ceramic pieces after gaining a significant following on Instagram. Etsy serves as a platform for him to monetize his art and reach a wider audience.

💡Glazes

Glazes are vitreous coatings applied to ceramics to give them a glossy finish and make them waterproof. Hammerly designs and makes his own glazes, using his knowledge of chemistry to create unique finishes for his ceramic pieces. The script highlights the artist's expertise in glazing as another barrier to entry for others trying to replicate his work.

💡Kiln

A kiln is a device used to fire ceramics, pottery, and other items at high temperatures. Hammerly mentions having a computer-controlled kiln, which is crucial for firing his glazes correctly. The kiln represents a significant investment and a key tool in his ceramic production process.

Highlights

Introduction to the 'Ballsy' podcast, focusing on the business side of art and the entrepreneurial spirit of artists.

Interview with Kurt Hammerly, a ceramic artist who uses 3D modeling and printing to create unique molds for his porcelain art.

Ceramics chosen as an art medium due to the accessibility of community studios and ease of entry.

Hammerly's background in design school and running a fabrication lab, influencing his approach to ceramics.

The process of creating porcelain using slipcast molds and the integration of 3D technology.

Hammerly's goal to produce geometrically perfect and symmetrical ceramic pieces that are difficult to achieve on a potter's wheel.

The artist's approach to sharing his creative process openly, embracing imitation as a form of flattery.

Hammerly's experience with a severe accident leading to a discovery of pottery as a new passion.

The transition from a hobby to a full-time career in ceramics, leveraging social media for exposure.

The importance of having a unique selling proposition in the art world to stand out from competitors.

Hammerly's use of a computer-controlled kiln and his expertise in glaze chemistry as barriers to entry for others.

The artist's decision to sell his work after amassing a significant Instagram following.

The excitement and validation of selling the first piece of art to a stranger, separate from personal connections.

The comparison of the creative process and the rush of selling art to an addictive experience.

Hammerly's perspective on the non-competitive nature of art and the individual lanes artists occupy.

The potential issue of direct competition arising from someone selling identical work at a lower price point.

The artist's journey from a full-time university job to embracing the role of a CEO in his art business.

Transcripts

welcome to ballsy the podcast where I

interview successful artists and

creators and I look at the balls to sell

their art I turn their practice I do a

profitable business as a former

entrepreneur turned artist I realized

that being an artist basically like

running a Closs art and you the artist

are the CEO I talked to partiest about

their businesses talk real numbers throw

attacks trolls and TRS and how they were

balls enough to make that their

career welcome to ballsy you clearly

have had the balls to sell some SM

everybody I would like to introduce you

to Kurt and how do I pronounce it

hammersley Hammerly Hammerly and it's it

sounds like a good sculptural name

Hammerly yeah it's not a it's a funny

thing to make Ceramics

with right I feel like you should be

working in steel or something like

something like that but this is how it

ended up that's actually a good story is

when I first started the I was thinking

of either doing blacksmithing glass

blowing woodworking or Ceramics but

Ceramics has the easiest barriers of

Entry because there's so many Community

Studios that teach classes that you can

just hop into on a whim I went the

Ceramics route because it was easy at

the

beginning no it's the path of least

resistance they say that's how it often

works I've taken a wheel throwing class

or two in my life I was not particularly

successful I liked it I had fun with it

I don't do it too much anymore but but

yeah that's how I started everything was

thrown on the wheel so your work is

actually super unique and interesting

and has so obviously this podcast is

going going to be more focused around

the business the nuts and bolts the

marketing like how you turned what I

assume was a hobby at one point and it

like what were those inflection points

that you're like I can do this as a job

and but before we set that let's kind of

frame like what your art is what it

looks like because it's super unique and

really interesting and that way people

can go look at it while they're

listening so I make porcelain from

slipcast molds so you take liquid clay

you pour it into a plaster mold and it

gives you a form of whatever that mold

is I put a little bit of twist on it I

went to design school and then I ran a

fabrication Lab at the University for 10

years after I graduated and I brought

this Twist of 3D modeling and 3D

printing to the creation of those molds

so all of my forms are designed in the

computer at first and then the molds

themselves are designed and then I use

3D printing technology to bring those

molds into real life and then finally

make the stuff out of

clay that's why yours has very kind of

like super

GE yeah my goal is to make stuff that

other people can't on the wheel because

of geometrical Perfection or symmetry or

just like hard edges and things like

that my my whole goal is to make stuff

that other people can't using my

process yeah I mean it's and it and it

shows it's really unique and interesting

and different found you I assume as many

other people have via Instagram and the

stylistic nature of it and also just all

your like process videos and like that

it's like a very intimate look inside

your studio yes so that and that's the

other part of my process is I share

everything because uh there are certain

barriers of Entry that I'm passed that

are hard for other people to jump into

so it's not I'm not too worried about

getting copied

outright and by the way I hate to break

it imitation is the is the form of

flattery right you it shows that you've

got something that's really cool and

that You' got a market it tends to be

like yeah sure there's knockoffs of

everything absolutely so it's people

using my same process and I follow them

closely but none of them are are

anything that I'm concerned about

surpassing me that's a weird thing to

say because it's art it's not a

competition we are all in our own lane

as long as someone doesn't come out with

my exact same mug with my exact same

glazes for a lower price point that

would be a problem but I don't see that

happening and so you design your own

glazes and everything as well huh yeah

and that's the other side of the barrier

entry is I have a I have a very

expensive gas computer controlled kilm

that was built in Amsterdam and shipped

over here and I make all my own glazes

and I've spent the last 10 years

learning the chemistry of that and how

the different glazes interact and how to

fire them and so there's just all these

levels to my practice that makes it

challenging for other people to

copy and fact that you're willing to

lift your kimono and put let everybody

behind is the test to that right so it's

fun bring it on so how did you first

obviously took a wheel throwing class

and that was exciting how did you get

how did you get from there I assume it

was a hobby when you started obviously

so actually worked a little bit

I sorry go ahead finish I was say you

worked in fabrication so you clearly had

some experience around that yeah so

actually I got started because I was

riding my bike to work at the University

one morning and got hit by a car and

broke my neck and seven ribs fractur or

ruptured my kidney spleen liver and had

a collapse lung I spent 2 weeks in the

hospital and three months in a traction

Halo for the neck break and when I got

out of that neck brace I took a pottery

class because I couldn't go lift weights

I couldn't ride my bike I was like dying

to get out of the house and do something

but I couldn't do any of the things I

used to do and there's a Pottery Studio

right next to my house so I took a class

never really intended to take another

one and then my Sketchbook started

getting filled with ideas and then I

learned about mold making and how people

use plaster to make molds for clay and

very quickly my desire became taking

these 10 years 15 years of experience of

3D modeling and 3D printing and take

that kind of disappointing end result of

plastic and turn it into an end result

that's actually a material that everyone

has a 3D printer these days you print

[ __ ] out of plastic you show it to your

friends it's cool but it's like the

shitty plastic is not a final product

right you don't want to touch it yeah

you don't want to touch it you don't

want to eat off of it so my goal was to

take this technology that at the time

was pretty new everyone knows what a 3D

printer is now but 10 years ago it was a

lot more niche

I say that like it was a really long

time ago but it really wasn't but it was

a lot more Niche back then and finding

clever ways to or finding a methodology

for turning those 3D models into 3D

prints and then finally into clay was

what I got hooked on and luckily like

you said it was a little bit unique

there were opportunities to capitalize

on that via Instagram and show people

stuff they'd never seen now when you

made that

transition did you when you started

making these things did you say to

yourself oh I'm going to sell these or

were you just making them because it was

cool to make them and you like liked

what you were doing and you were like

there was an interesting technique here

I didn't sell my first piece until I had

12,000 Instagram followers I had a

full-time job at the University I had

every intention of staying at that job

until I hit my 30-year pension and then

I would retire and do something cool

with my time so I started posting on

Instagram just for fun I had been a

lurker following other artists for a

very long time and was like Hey if

they're sharing what they're doing I

could do that too that would be fun so I

started putting up pictures and I

started putting up videos and people

started latching on to it and then

eventually it got to this point where

people were like are you ever going to

sell any of this [ __ ] I don't know what

is your uh swearing policy on this no go

ahead swear all you want okay good to

know but it was like people were like

are you going to sell any of this [ __ ]

or are you just going to tease us here

and I was like huh I've never considered

that but when you start doing art or po

Pottery any kind of art form and you are

really into it your house just starts

getting filled with [ __ ] so you just

have like your art everywhere and people

were asking so I was like I have some

time I have some extra time I have this

full-time job but I could get some of

this stuff out of my house so I made an

Etsy at that point and sold a couple

pieces in the first month that was

really exciting and as the year went on

no better feeling in the world than yeah

no better feeling like when the first

person bought something that I made with

my hands and they were not my mom not my

friends like someone that didn't know me

put their

money out and said I want this thing

that you have made here's money it was

like holy [ __ ] this is the most exciting

[ __ ] thing on the planet it was

amazing and it was like I worked for the

University I helped students with their

work I helped them build stuff on all of

our fabrication equipment but I designed

this and then I built it and it is a

finished product you can hold in your

hand and someone's giving me money yeah

it was it's the most addicting thing

I've ever experienced in my life it's

crackes and it's excitement oh yeah it's

amazing