Josh Blanc of Clay Squared
Josh working on a tile mural in his studio in the Flux Arts building.
Swirl vine mural created by Josh
What mediums do you primarily work with, and why do you prefer them?
I work in terra cotta clay and create handmade tiles using extruders, custom-made stamps, and ceramic glazes. The terra cotta I use is an exterior clay body that I can use for outdoor and indoor projects. I prefer this clay because it allows me to make larger pieces of work that do not warp as much as other clay bodies, like porcelain or stoneware clays.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
Most of the creative process is in my design development with the tiles. My inspiration comes from historic architecture and the use of textures, space, and the objects used to create the building. I spend a lot of my creative process trying to reinterpret some of the historic patterns and elements of buildings built hundreds of years ago to bring those ideas and products back into the world for modern uses. The fire that burned down Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a prime example of how craftspeople and artisans had to rebuild that amazing architectural structure that was 1000 years old. Tile making is a problem-solving medium. Being able to think and make objects from past makers is what I love about my career. Here is a link to a video of how I make tiles https://claysquared.com/tile/planning/videos/
I can not do my work without the team of people who work with me and help me bring all my ideas to fruition. https://claysquared.com/studio/handmade-tile/our-crew/
Are there any community projects or collaborations you're involved in?
I have collaborated and worked on many community projects with other artists. The big one in NE Minneapolis is the Eastside Coop Carrot piece, where I collaborated with Dirk DuBois, who constructed the steel frame, while Sheryl Tuorila designed and set the mosaic tiles in the sculpture. Handmade ceramic tiles from Clay Squared (made by Josh Blanc and Greg Good), and handmade glass tiles by FK Art Glass adorn the 10-foot-tall carrot. This steel and mosaic carrot sculpture is installed at the Eastside Food Co-op at 26th and Central Avenue NE in Minneapolis, MN. It was designed by Clay Squared to Infinity. https://claysquared.com/tile/projects/public-art/daucus-carota/
Here are the others https://claysquared.com/tile/projects/custom/
How can local residents support artists in our community?
Having 1200 artists in your community is a vast resource that most communities don't have access to. Like most other businesses or entrepreneurs, artists experiment, develop products, and explore ideas. With so many artists opening their studios regularly for events, the community has access to a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas are developed into objects or insights into how artists think when creating. Attending openings and studio tours, learning about artists' work, taking classes, or listening to a talk can help artists get engagement and feedback from the community. Volunteering for artist events can also be a way to get to know artists and build relationships with them, leading to many possibilities and opportunities for all. There are many arts organizations in NE Minneapolis: Art to Change the World, NE Sculpture Factory/Gallery, Theater Latte Da, Public Functionary, The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, the American Crafts Council, and NEMAA.
How can readers find more about your work (social media, website, etc.)?
My studio is at the Flux Arts Building: 2505 Howard St. NE
Website: www.claysquared.com
Instagram: @claysquared
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claysquared
