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.