All About My Pottery Apprenticeships

This video explains in detail how I become a potter and how I setup my own ceramics studio in London. It's a long one but it should explain my journey so far and in much greater detail. As always, if you have anymore questions please leave a comment below and I'll do my best to reply. Thanks for watching and I really hope you like this film.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - Waldorf Eduction
1:36 - DCCoI Ceramics Skills and Design Training Course
3:20 - Apprenticeship with Lisa Hammond, London, UK
11:24 - Apprenticeship with Ken Matsuzaki, Mashiko, Japan
22:20 - Setting up my own studio
DCCI Ceramics Skills & Design Course, (I refer to it as DCCoI as in the video as that's what it used to be called) -
(www.dcci.ie/learners/dccoi-sk...)
Lisa Hammond's website, whom I apprenticed with for three years -
(www.lisahammond-pottery.co.uk)
MPIA - Mashiko Pottery International Association -
(mashikompia.com)
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Instagram - / floriangadsby
TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@JohnGBeckett]

I love the simple clarity of the narration here without any added dramatisation that is common these days.

[@floriangadsby]

Cheers John, I'm pleased you thought so. If there's one thing I'm not, it's dramatic, thanks for taking your time to watch along.

[@user-yc5wd6vo8z]

@@floriangadsby ظ. .ز جرب مز

[@Omar-ny8lz]

Almost feels like I'm listening to poetry

[@nakipd5993]

@@floriangadsby 0

[@inheritedwheel2900]

10:25 Florian, you're already a 'master' to potters like me, for whom your consistent high-quality uploads on KZbin are a prodigious resource. Your mature commentary sheds invaluable insight on the ins-and-outs of professional pottery and kiln firing, an otherwise abstruse artform. I really appreciate all the knowledge you're passing on. Cheers from LA, thank you for everything!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you so much, the kind words really mean such a lot and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Ceramics can be a sort of mysterious art form indeed, I still have so much to learn and many more years to get through before I'd consider myself a master, although your comment is still much appreciated.

[@aqeelmohamed52]

Craftsmen like you should be preserved for the sake of humanity. Because no one can explain the craft in such clarity as you .

[@elliotgordon8613]

This was so great to watch, as someone still in secondary school, eager to get into pottery and ceramics, slowly feeling more confident that it could finally be the career for me. And now having an idea about the options I could take to produce my own work and learn more is great. I have to say that the thing that sparked the pottery flame inside me was stumbling across your Instagram page and feeling mesmerised and inspired by ceramics, wanting to try. As soon as this pandemic is over I want to experiment as much as I can at my school which thankfully has the facilities to throw pottery and a great technician educated in pottery, I finally feel confident enough to ask to throw some pots as something outside of my curricular education. Thank you for making this video to show your journey and inspiring mine.

[@floriangadsby]

That's wonderful to hear Elliot, the pandemic has been rubbish for ceramics education as it's such a hands on and practical skill and there's nothing better in terms of learning than having some one-to-one tuition. I wish you all the best of luck potting and thanks so much for taking the time to watch my videos.

[@cansusener1710]

I don’t normally watch KZbin videos without fast forwarding. Loved how you narrated the video from beginning to the end. It was such an inspiration for me as a very inexperienced potter. Thank you so much and love from Turkey

[@weedtoad]

Wow.. I can't believe you were in an apprenticeship with Ken Matsuzaki... That's such an incredible opportunity!

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

Your work is exceptional, especially your trimming and the Pride you derive from your creations

[@Panda_Sama]

I Enjoyed the video and your experience ! Keep it up ,I love your work.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you very much! 🙌🏼

[@samletisamved287]

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[@zak7118]

A phenomenal experience, I personally am not into pottery because I am a Graphic Designer but your experience will be inspiring a lot of people and me too. I would love to go to Japan and experience the culture and the graphics aspect of it. I love all forms of art and I thank you for sharing part of your life as most people would avoid revealing their experience. Thank you very much and good luck in your future endeavours and know that people you know and people you don’t know will be supporting you through everything.

[@floriangadsby]

Cheers Zak! The graphics and design out there are so cool, all those characters and creatures and even the manhole covers were all pottery themed in Mashiko. Very much appreciate you taking the time to watch, and thanks for all the kind words too.

[@lyralee1944]

Your persistence and passion in pottery is admirable!

[@carolinefernandes]

I am always impressed with the thoughtfulness, care and attention to detail that you put into your ceramics and your video production in equal measures. It's such a gift! Thank you!

[@Marcdrichter]

Wow! Hearing the vast level of experience you’ve had this far was wonderful. It very much put things into perspective. You have worked hard, your videos are beyond masterpieces and indeed your following is well deserved. Thank you for taking the time to put this together - another video enjoyed thoroughly!

[@Art_inspired_love]

AWWW Your journey is amazing, so happy you gave us the chance to catch a glimpse!

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

Even the first pieces that you threw at that school were beautiful 😊 You had a really hard apprenticeship! But then, I'm sure that's one reason that you are so good at your pottery❤

[@elainehenderson842]

I only took up pottery in my fifties after retiring. I did a p/t degree at an art school, which immediately closed its doors after I left as there was no interest in recruiting more students. Although I appreciated the art school training, it was no substitute for the hard work which has had to be put in to achieve anything like a sufficient skill level or fluency. This is why this particular video is so good- your record keeping and truly informative account of the whole process is priceless, and an object lesson in presentation itself. On reaching 70 next year, I feel my energy levels flagging even as my desire to pass on what I have learnt doesn't diminish, so I really hope you do go on to set up apprenticeships while you are still fit enough to do so, and that you can be part of a generation of makers who help to create a healthy respect for this beautiful and ever relevant art.

[@Creating_deloise]

I absolutely loved this! As an aspiring potter, it is so valuable to hear how much determination you have to your craft! (Makes me want to get on the wheel and never get off) Thank you so much for these wonderful, inspiring videos!!

[@jameshobbs5984]

This is one of your best videos yet Florian, Every time I see your story it inspires me. Thank you for continuing to share your story, it's incredible

[@paulrufledtpottery344]

Thank you so much for documenting all of this and all the work editing the video! Your work is beautiful

[@floriangadsby]

So glad to hear you liked it - thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@NicaLibresPottery]

I never have the patience to watch a full KZbin video but your voice and your art is mesmerising. I never even considered there would be such things as pottery apprenticeships. Thank you for documenting your journey and work, it's inspiring.

[@ThisSlowCoach]

Beautiful story and pottery. I enjoyed your well documented journey as a young potter - that you were able to patiently cultivate your interest in pottery and have the maturity at such a young age. I agree about your thoughts about enjoyment when we look back at times of hard work and intensive learning. These are some of my most cherished moments in my life too. I look forward to your book.

[@beyondthegallery]

Thank you for sharing! Such an insightful practice to reflect on the steps taken and milestones reached in one’s career. Something I want to do more of myself, so I appreciate you sharing yours up until now. Very inspiring!

[@davidcoyne659]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your in depth instagram posts and KZbin process videos. Sincerely, thank you.

[@Annieetsabibli]

Wow! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, it was fascinating. I just got accepted in a three year pottery program here in Canada, I'm pretty excited. Your videos and work are such an inspiration.

[@dianec5784]

A fabulously interesting and informative video, showing your dedication and passion during your learning journey. Thank you very much for making and sharing Florian.

[@davidgonsalez1393]

I've taken a sudden interest in pottery recently and your channel is truly the best that I've come across. Your pieces are beautiful and narration concise. Definitly inspiration to try it myself one day. Keep up the good work

[@floriangadsby]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you! It's such a fun craft, especially at the start too, it almost feels like magic when you first throw a successful pot. Thanks for watching!

[@heyashakaye]

This was an amazing video to watch, I cannot express how much I enjoyed it - you are a talented storyteller. I have an immense amount of respect for your dedication to this craft, especially as a beginner/advanced beginner hobbiest doing this on the side to balance out a career in emergency room nursing. I'll live vicariously through you!

[@jessicabrandl2404]

I really appreciate the quality of your videos and the quiet candid nature in which you describe both your journey and process. Keep up the good work.

[@sweetrubycakes1814]

This is beautiful, like an old film. It made me slow down to watch it, to catch the practical simplicity of your words that reflected the humble mastery of the work. It is heartening to see a process being patiently explored and respected from the literal earth up. Touching, thank you.

[@ilsegomez8087]

You're amazing sir, so much knowledge and life experience. I come short on this field and trade however doesn't mean that my love for ceramics is minimal. I love watching and listening to folks like yourself and gather information to use for my own someday. I'm so glad I found your videos and I'm here to stay for the long run. Cheers 🥂

[@joseeugeniofariaalvim9974]

I cannot say how much you inspirado me here in Brazil with this vídeo. Thank you millions.🙏🙏🙏

[@peressinichristina]

Thanks for the peek behind the scenes into your pottery career. It's nice to have that context and always nice to be reminded that creative style is an evolution and doesn't just come out fully formed the first time you sit down to execute. Amazing. Keep up the great work.

[@floriangadsby]

Cheers Chris! That really means a lot - thanks for taking the to watch!

[@triciac1019]

Wow, what a wonderful and challenging journey to get where you are today! What opportunies! Thank you for sharing!

[@4themusiclovers]

Many thanks to you for this magnificent testimony of what human dignity is. And congratulations for your so refined talent!

[@palomalimeira]

You're such an inspiration! I love your work and I hope I can reach at least 1% of your amazing skills! Congratulations on your journey and please keep inspiring people through your art.

[@johnsalgir]

I met Shimaoka in 1997 and wanted to go study with him in Mashiko... maybe I'm glad now that I never did. Keep up the good work.

[@floriangadsby]

It would have been worth it, hard work can be good work and Shimoaka sounded like such a character from what Ken told me. I learnt more in those few months than I ever will again I think, plus experiences like that can be so difficult to come by.

[@Frapsity]

Love your content. It's always soothing and relaxing. I've always had an interest in pottery and I love getting to live vicariously through you!

[@floriangadsby]

Very glad to hear you like it - soothing and relaxing seems to be a large aspect of pottery for some folk. Thanks for taking your time to watch!

[@lcrsharon]

What a beautiful journey. Thank you so much for sharing this in such a heartfelt video, you’re so inspiring!

[@kairon156]

Very interesting life\career story. I've been watching pottery videos for a little over a month and I'm glad I came across your channel. I enjoy the style of videos here and the zen feeling I get when watching you make pottery.

[@hubertringwald9699]

Thank you for this great video. How nice to see the pictures of your way. I always liked that you speak often and very respectfully of your teachers. Now I have pictures to go with the stories.

[@lily.m7486]

What an amazing journey you have been on, your work ethic is so inspiring thank you for sharing your story it was wonderful to see

[@sarahmbonnar]

Wow. The craftsmanship and legacy of the apprenticeship program that you describe is incredible.

[@pratibhacsoni]

Absolutely mind blowing Florian. You are truly such an inspiration to so many of us. Totally love listening to you and watching your videos. It's like meditation, so soothing and calming. I can't wait for you to start taking on apprentices. :) Sending you more energy and good wishes from India.

[@angelamarie9470]

I could listen and watch you all day! I can’t stop watching your videos. 😘

[@myzer2011]

What a Journey! I think I would have given up the first week already. Now I understand the discipline showing in your work. Japanese are so disciplined. I do not believe many will copy your internship.

[@umakantbhope]

i am really very much delighted to see your creations in ceramics and the simplistic yet with exclusive touch of aesthetic magic ,you have done with various textures ,shapes and colors you played with. Simply amazing.I have also done very short term hands on ,in the pottery school,and wish to go ahead with the passionate will.Thanks and All the Best Always.

[@ladydraque7286]

And then I REALLY got to watching and reading about Lisa and her experiences and work, and then I really grew a liking to Warren Mckenzie as well. So I'm glad you had mentioned something about digging back to the source. Its fascinating really. I can't thank you enough, watching your Technique and learning from just watching and paying attention to your hands and what you're saying as you teach, has Literally changed my life & I continue to see my own progress everyday.

[@whisperingowlasmr2503]

What an adventure! I remember travelling hours by bus to a small town called Hagi in the south of Japan just to see and purchase some Hagi-Yaki ware. Whenever I look at them I always remember that adventure fondly. Thanks for another amazing video friend.

[@vedrandujic7718]

I'm greatful that You are sharing with us some of the wonders from Your path through the hidden world of true ceramic mastery! Thank You!!! 🙂

[@naomiferenczy3297]

Thank you so much for sharing. As an aspiring potter myself it is incredibly helpful and inspiring to hear about and see another established potter’s journey. So grateful for your content.

[@floriangadsby]

And thanks for taking the time to watch Naomi, so pleased you enjoyed the video!

[@Christina-dw8we]

I certainly do enjoy watching you make all of these pots. I'm so glad for you that you have achieved so much, and that therefore your own talents and skills shine forth.

[@celestesantos7103]

So good to finally hear " the almost full " story of your journey thus far. Your work is so beautiful, grounded and calm. Such disciplined hard work thru the pains and pleasures, always in gratitude and with joy. Well done. Parabens!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you Celeste for taking the time to watch and for the kind words too, it really means such a lot.

[@davebriskham8433]

Incredible journey! Fantastic to have your channel as a well informed resource. Many thanks from The Potter's Barn, Australia.

[@nicolasdigard3878]

loved this video! nice to learn about your journey and to see wider images of your studio!

[@nicomontivero]

All the work that I've seen from your videos is really inspiring, I find it so clear. Thanks for sharing all this

[@CharlyHamlynCeramics]

Fascinating, lovely to hear more of your journey from a Steiner School to where you are today - I have 20 years of connection with Steiner Schools, through work and my children attending one. I have started my own pottery journey much later in life at 54 (!) and am currently setting up my first studio in the Outer Hebrides.

[@cansuguzelis1420]

you made me cry... i hold myself till the last 4 minutes but couldnt make it :) i adore your hard work and passionate attitude. i am so happy to see there are creative and lovely souls out there. i learnt a lot from you and i will definetly keep watching your brilliant work. Thanks for sharing. All the best, a potter from Turkey, Istanbul.

[@adicristinasofia]

This is amazing! I could listen over and over again☺️

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you kindly Cristina!

[@jeremyrose1518]

Your story is amazing!! Truly inspirational and well documented

[@user-fw4fs4ho8n]

What a pleasure to get a peek into your journey. Thank you so much for sharing! I was surprised to see how your work from the DCCoI is still very close to the pieces you make currently.

[@israelr.a.8256]

This is a fascinating story. 👏. I'm from Mexico, living in the US now. Watching your videos, light a passion for pottery stronger. I hope one day to learn from someone as humbled and talented as you. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@UpchurchBrand]

Absolutely love how you have presented this! I'm looking forward to more and the book!!

[@deborahmarock4380]

Such an inspiring video! Thanks for sharing your path on how you arrived where you are today. I learn an incredible amount from your videos.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you very much Deborah! So appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@Profl13]

Florian, this is wonderful, your description of your 6 months in Japan really does sound like a dream

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Your apprentice experience both in England and Japan sound so exciting and I am sure the years spent will always be treasured. Patience I would think may be one of the most significant things to have embraced throughout and for every day since. Great presentation and well appreciated. Cheers...Freddie

[@susanmackay4434]

What an incredible and inspirational journey! Your work is stunning.

[@MukamiWNjeru]

KZbin serendipitously led me to your channel this afternoon and I have enjoyed every minute of your captivating journey. Thank you so much for your generosity. Cheers from Kenya.

[@michaelgadsby]

What an amazing saga this video touches on! I can understand the reasoning as to why some epochs in our lives must sometimes stay that way in their own special bubbles in spacetime and our memories. I can tell how much this journey meant to you and how it grounds your current practice. Wonderful video x

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks so much Michael, that really means such a lot.

[@robertobreve8623]

this is amazing, better than any netflix documentary, your journey is amazing, like a ninja being trained in japan by masters, your storytelling and film making is also amazing, thanks for sharing this.

[@gopasen1658]

Love your learning adventure....so much commitment and passion ...and thankyou for sharing your journey ...love your work ! Wish you the best always!

[@lilpetite]

Thanks for sharing your journey - It was fascinating to watch, and learn about your craft and skills!

[@ehloe.]

"Save that for the book"... are we getting a book from you? 👀

[@---ym1iq]

Really enjoyed the video. Both me and my sibling sat down and enjoyed your peaceful narration to such an amazing journey. I have been binge watching the series and just remembered to leave a comment. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences!

[@winay007]

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing, it took me on a journey. I wish if I come to down London I could visit your studio and absorb the awe.

[@Primamateria831]

You are a wonderful storyteller and very talented at video production on top of being a highly-skilled, dedicated artist who has definitely found joi de vivre. it is wonderful to witness ✨

[@carolynpearce4829]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a kick wheel that my husband built for me. I have an electric one also, but only use it when I travel somewhere to do demos. The kick wheel fits my body and I can use it all day with no issues. It was great to hear you say that potters cannot throw a pot exactly the same. I tell my students that they are all individual artists. I have toured a pottery in Arita. They saggar fired everything. Watched the throwers, decorators and saw the wood-fired kilns.

[@lina4151]

Your videos are always calming and very informative and I truly enjoy them

[@floriangadsby]

Very much appreciate that, thank you!

[@muddyotterspottery569]

That was brilliant. I enjoyed hearing the story of your formation as a potter a lot.

[@mafeperezt]

Thank you very much for sharing this video, beautifully done images and narration, it made me happy to watch it. It is not an easy path to become a ceramist. Gracias 🙏

[@dpmedhurst]

That was the most wonderful video. Thank you so much. Your work is absolutely beautiful. All the very best of luck for your future which I know will be so very successful.

[@erinacho7217]

I've been following you on instagram for quite some time now, and have always loved your work, they are absolutely stunning! I really appreciate your transparency and willingness to share you process, it is such a joy to see and learn from. All the best wishes from Canada :)

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks so much Erina! For following along both here and on Instagram. Best wishes from London, UK!

[@carlagutierrezbravo1793]

Muchas gracias por la claridad y tu experiencia en cerámica! Me ha servido muchísimo.

[@PratyushTewari]

Thanks for taking time and sharing your story.

[@Vannnnnessa]

What an amazing studio really! Hope to see a studio tour soon! Enjoyed this video very much. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@cucabosco]

This is so generous and inspiring! Thank you very much Florian!

[@victoriagillesfernandez1116]

Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on your journey and your beautiful work!

[@davidbishop4650]

We really enjoyed watching your video this morning. A real insight into where you’ve been on your pottery journey. My son (9) watched quietly, until pausing the video and stating “everyone needs a Lisa”. Sums it up well I think.

[@floriangadsby]

Haha, well, he's certainly right. Thanks so much to you both for taking the time to watch, it really means a lot.

[@thekatalexander]

I’m deeply impressed and beyond grateful that you’re sharing your work and experience with us. I’m so fascinated by the world of ceramics. I’d love to get my hands in some clay again someday.

[@evijabozinska296]

So nice that you shared your story. I never really think how someone got where they are, so it was very interesting to see your journey. Thank you!

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks for watching! So pleased you found it interesting.

[@nurdan17]

What a fantastic experience! Love watching your videos and your work! Greetings from Canberra, Australia.

[@catherineletellier7013]

Bonjour Florian, je suis avec beaucoup d'intérêt toutes vos vidéos. Votre travail, votre organisation, votre rigueur forcent le respect et l'admiration. Vous êtes un modèle ! dommage que la Manche nous sépare...

[@rebecaaragon7101]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing your experience and beautiful pottery 👍🏼

[@pal1704]

Thanks for sharing you Incredible journey Florian! This is truly inspirational and motivating 🥰

[@darrellmelton1215]

What a wonderful description of some awesome experiences. I really do hope you write a book about these experiences!

[@gymgirl1010910]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’ve been following your work for years and have taken a few pottery classes in Arita Porcelain! I hope to be your apprentice one day when I get more knowledge and experience under my belt🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ashismajumder4984]

Amazing journey of a master potter. I love to watch your KZbin anytime anywhere and always. Thank you.

[@jabeenirfan8218]

What a journey, wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@plantedbasedman9845]

Thank you. Explains a lot about your style.

[@nickfosterxx]

I've got a lump in my throat. What an incredible journey, pottery an endless path. Thank you.

[@ArtistSulbhaJoshi.]

youtube.com/@Artistsulbha?sub_confirmation=1 Learn miniature pottery

[@heyimamaker]

I love the look so much! Thanks for sharing!

[@KatAtkinson]

What an amazing journey! Makes my little struggles today seem miniscule. Okay back to trying again!