All About My Pottery Apprenticeships

[@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.

[@عبداللهالعنزي-د7ك6ط]

@@floriangadsby ظ. .ز جرب مز

[@Omar-ny8lz]

Almost feels like I'm listening to poetry

[@nakipd5993]

@@floriangadsby 0

[@aqeelmohamed52]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SmartMonkey45]

How goes it now?

[@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

[@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.

[@weedtoad]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

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

[@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❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@davidcoyne659]

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

[@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.

[@bayareaartist999]

Congratulations, I don't think most people really get what you have accomplished. That's one helluva lineage you are a part of.

[@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.

[@Art_inspired_love]

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

[@lyralee1944]

Your persistence and passion in pottery is admirable!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@karrah1705]

Hi Florian, I want to begin by saying that I value and appreciate your content so much! I have a video suggestion: a week in the life of a full-time potter. Something to describe what your weekly or even daily schedule looks like. As someone from the outside looking into creating my own at-home studio, I am especially interested in seeing a full overview of your process as it appears you've made a point in refining the efficiency of your process, which I think is so important. Maybe this would be giving away too much of your process so I understand if it's not something you want to share. Thanks always for your immaculate content.

[@floriangadsby]

Hey Karrah! That's something I could quite easily put together, and a very good suggestion, thank you! I'll film a few snippets from my days over the following week or two and then squash them all together. Thanks for taking the time to watch and to comment too, it really means a lot.

[@karrah1705]

@@floriangadsby You’re so welcome. I look forward to it!

[@sarahmbonnar]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@daniel03ss]

Absolutely epic and clearly ahead of your time with the Instagram move. I appreciate your dedication to your own style even after all the years throwing such different pots for those apprenticeships. I think it could have been easy to come back home and live in those shadows but you really held true to your original work and style. It really resonated with me hearing about the "hardships" of that learning process and I can feel how much joy that must bring now looking back. It amazing how much the journey really is the most precious thing - almost more precious the harder it was.

[@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.

[@lynetteimayanagita1364]

Florian, I honestly feel like watching this video today October 9 2023 is a beautiful gift from God. I am just recently exploring the art of ceramics - at 61 yrs. perhaps it is just a dream of mine. This was just such an amazing journey you have allowed us to be part of in a small way. Thank you so very much ! Such a lovely art form and hard earned skills. May your joy continue as you share these breathe taking pieces with the world

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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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[@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 ✨

[@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 🥂

[@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.

[@ladydraque7286]

I didn't know a thing about throwing until I saw one of your videos suggested on my KZbin homepage, since then, I've purchased my own wheel and have basically taught myself how to throw just from watching your videos again and again. Then I did my own research, because you had mentioned Lisa Hamnond in one of your first videos.

[@floriangadsby]

Oh woah! That's fantastic! I hope it's going well? Thanks so much for taking the time to watch.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@4themusiclovers]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Profl13]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Oxyacantha]

Fascinating history and experience. You're a very lucky person, and also one who has earned his luck through hard work! I won't deny I'm envious. I would have loved to learn to make pottery (perhaps more on a hobby level, not this professionally)... but it wasn't something that was available to learn as a child, and once I could have tried, psoriatic arthritis destroyed my hands. I'll just keep enjoying it through your videos. Thank you!

[@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.

[@peterkenyonjr]

Sweet video man. What a story...

[@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.

[@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.

[@lina4151]

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

[@floriangadsby]

Very much appreciate that, thank you!

[@joseeugeniofariaalvim9974]

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

[@freedomtrailamerica2981]

Thank you for the history! Glad to be following and learning. I was just in London. Hope to return! Teri, Tucson, AZ USA

[@triciac1019]

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

[@angelamarie9470]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Sgod100]

I normally don’t watch videos that over 15 minutes due me losing interest. I’m happy to say, I made it all the way through this one! I really enjoyed your story. Thank you for sharing.

[@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.

[@ehloe.]

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

[@chrismartin9743]

Your school sounds like something out of a fairytale! You are so lucky to have been able to experience all of that at such a young age.

[@adicristinasofia]

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

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you kindly Cristina!

[@jennawhitecloud5680]

No way! I just did a virtual workshop with akira Satake and Ken matsuzaki And I found both of them just after I found you! I found them through tea and the chawan since I am a student of Japanese tea ceremony, but I found you through the genre of ceramics. Small world. In the workshop, Ken was zooming from his studio and of course mr. Doi was there too so it was really fantastic to see a more in-depth tour of his studio and how it functioned in your video. Thank you for this apprenticeship video. I’m so glad you made it. I was very curious too!

[@brihaspatiangiras9081]

That was really inspirational, love your work. Can you please show how you made that dip pen.

[@ColbyClinePenholders]

I deeply enjoyed hearing your story! I especially liked the calligraphy pens you made! Before I got my lathe when I was so desperate to make a pen any way that I could. Some of my first pens were made of air dry clays. They were terrible! But when I made them it was like opening up he floodgates and I had to have more! I received my first production order of pens about a year ago and it only took me 2 weeks to finish it, but it was some of the most fun I ever had! And just yesterday I received my 4th batch order from that same store and it's the largest yet! So incredibly grateful to be able to work doing something that I love and I can tell you are aswell! Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@floriangadsby]

So pleased that it all worked out for you. They're such tricky things to make. Thanks for watching Colby!

[@davebriskham8433]

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

[@stonemonkey1968]

Superb video Florian and glad to hear about all you have done to where you are now. I still look back fondly when we met for a few days when I was at a chawan master class at Maze Hill with Lisa. Where has the time gone. Keep up the superb work in both ceramics and you online presence. A pleasure to watch 🙏

[@floriangadsby]

I remember that workshop well! Such a long time ago now, it really does feel very strange indeed. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch Andrew and I so hope you're keeping well.

[@ashismajumder4984]

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

[@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.

[@carolfong9200]

I just started pottery, your style is simple and I like this style!

[@darrellmelton1215]

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

[@crisfer22]

I would definitely listen to a more detailed story of your time with Lisa and in Japan. It's super interesting both the technical aspects of the different ways of working and the culture shock.

[@ladydraque7286]

Oh my! I'd love to be your first apprentice when you do find and settle on your own land! What a dream come true that would be! Also grateful for this one as well.

[@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.

[@nurdan17]

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

[@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!

[@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 🙏

[@nicolasdigard3878]

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

[@susanmackay4434]

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

[@anselm100]

Your videos have way too less views, your effort deserves more ! Great production quality

[@floriangadsby]

KZbin is a funny place! Some of my older ones have really taken off but it seems like the views get delayed sometimes and they start being recommended a little down the line. I'm pleased you like them though, it really means a lot.

[@nicomontivero]

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

[@raagagrawal]

This was a fantastic video. Your production values are legitimately so high and videos so interesting. I can see this channel getting huge soon.

[@muddyotterspottery569]

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

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

I think the darker colour added is a great selection

[@KatAtkinson]

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