Ben received his BFA in Ceramics and Painting from Appalachian State University and his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Florida. Carter was an artist in residence at Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts, the Archie Bray Foundation and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, CO. He was the educational director of the Pottery Workshop in Shanghai, China from 2010 to 2012. In 2016, Carter was named Ceramic Artist of the Year by Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated. He authored the full length book, Mastering the Potter’s Wheel, published by Voyager Press in 2016.

Carter has traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada including China, Australia and New Zealand lecturing and demonstrating his work. As the host of the podcast “Tales of the Red Clay Rambler”, Ben has interviewed hundreds of artists and other creative personalities, inviting them to share with his listening audience their experience, struggles and insights into their creative practices. Ben skill as an interviewer and host is rivaled only by his skill as a maker.

Influenced by the Silk Road tradition of integrating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern decorations with the influx of Chinese porcelain forms, Ben incorporates the tradition of the quilt-maker, using a common material; in his case, earthenware and elevates its’ value through extensive decoration. This repetitive use of beautiful floral motifs and historical decorative patterns enhances the beautiful surfaces of his pots.

Each pot is a study in the harmony between form and decoration. The use of subtle patterns and lines references his interest in the stitch-work of traditional American quilting and adds another layer of visual information that informs and tantalizes the viewer.

One of the things that you notice when holding one of Carter’s pots, is the level of craftsmanship and attention that is given to each piece and every detail of that piece. Whether it is the fit of a lid, or the pore of a spout, this refinement of each piece is an added level of enjoyment that grows with each use.

We are so pleased to have Ben join us for the first time in 2020. To see more of his work visit www.carterpottery.com or listen to his podcast, Tales of a Red Clay Rambler on your favorite podcast platform.