Testimonials
From the Clay Cohorts Class of 2023
“What a dramatic change in how I approach making pots this Cohorts experience has been so far: from being exclusively a thrower to now hand-building and carving in clay; from using the Internet for inspiration to digging into my own lived experience for motivation. Uncomfortable and super-exciting. Simon’s on-point mentorship is exactly what I needed at this point to get me out of my comfort zone.
And I love having it in this cohorts format with a supportive and inspiring group of ceramic makers.
A particularly broadening experience for people with no formal art education. I wish it were longer than one year: too much to explore and too little time.
Truly grateful to Simon and Ann Marie for putting this program together and ensuring that it runs smoothly. Thank you!“
— Rekha Srinivasan, IL
“The clay cohorts program has helped me dive deeper into the more thoughtful aspects of my art practice. My mentor Lisa has been direct, supportive, and incredibly insightful. Our time together has increased my confidence and helped me sustain momentum in working towards my professional and artistic goals. If you feel like an outsider in the academic ceramic world, this might be just the right fit for you.“
— Laura Skiles-Bundy, WA
“Participating in Cohorts has provided me with insight into the logistics of being a studio potter, assisting me as I make a career change from full-time teacher to potter. Working with Simon has given me both feedback and perspective that I have been missing since completing my BFA in 2015. I recommend this program for anyone looking for support in developing their work, navigating life as an artist, or seeking out a community of makers.”
— Kate Marotz, WI
“Since starting my Clay Cohorts experience, I have a more focused and thoughtful approach to my forms and surfaces. With the guidance and feedback from my mentor Birdie Boone, I am seeing creative growth and improvement in my work. It’s so helpful to have someone with experience that you can ask any ceramics related questions and get feedback. In the beginning of our year Birdie told me that in order for me achieve my professional goals, the quality of work has to come first. We are seven months in and I am already starting to see how true that statement is!”
— Asta Bubliene, NY
“Working with Birdie Boone has unlocked an exciting new body of work for me. By committing to the clay cohorts program I have opened up a space in my practise for experimentation and exploration. I have felt supported, encouraged and stretched throughout by Birdie and had the privilege of drawing upon her knowledge and experience. The clay cohorts aim to “meet you where you are” has really resonated with me. I had no desire to return to a formal teaching environment and clay cohorts has proved to be a much better fit, it has been a tailored experience that has led to tangible growth in my practise.”
— Rosa Bond, England
“Being a part of the cohorts program has been instrumental in pushing me to make better pots. Input from the other members of my cohort group as well as my mentor, Simon, has helped me to gain clarity and cohesion in my work. I feel as though my work has progressed more since I joined the program 6 months ago than it has in several years! If you're considering applying, the thoughtful approach to your specific goals and flexibility of this program make it one of a kind - do it!”
— Ashley Morford, TX
“Lisa has been an amazing mentor to work with. She always seems to know just what to say to keep me motivated and moving forward. Lisa has generously shared her knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for all things clay and life. This year with her cohort group has been a great experience.”
— Gretchen Quinn, NC
“Working with Liz Lurie through the cohort program is the best thing I have done to enrich my pottery in 40 years. I’m 72 years old and have encountered many instructors. Liz possesses a keen eye for line and balance. She truly takes her students “where they are” and moves them in the direction of their choosing. The six of us from that 2023 cohort were interested in different aspects of clay but she worked with us as a group to develop a common language for meaningful discussion and appreciation of each other’s work.
In individual sessions, she will critique my pots or show me pots by others. She demonstrates techniques which I realize takes up her time to prepare prior to our meeting. She shares reference materials. She is grounded in ceramic art history and the elements & principles or art and will apply these concepts when discussing my pots. I did not study art in college so all of this has been news to me! She can be direct in her feedback, insists that I plan on something to work on between sessions, which has been great for my continuity. She keeps our allotted time focused on my goals. Above all, she is Kind and a delight to work with. While our ‘23 cohort has moved in various directions this year, we continue to meet via zoom, utilizing the language and values in discussing each other’s work that we practiced with Liz.”
— Liz Meyers, MI
“Cohorts provides a challenging, inclusive, collaborative, rigorous, critical space to explore and grow honestly as an artist and to push the limits of your own skills. Every conversation so far with Liz and with my cohort-mates has given me tools to create better pots that more authentically communicate my ideas. I’m grateful to Simon, Liz, Ann Marie, and everyone involved with providing this experience and creating this community.”
— Will Abraham, WA
“Pottery came to me later in life and my ceramics education consisted of local studio classes; week-long workshops; and college courses at a local university. All were important, but none helped me focus more or advance my own work further than my Cohort Arts mentorship with Lisa Orr. Our first year was so important to me that I gladly signed up for another. The second year has not disappointed, as she continues to help me grow as a ceramic artist. If you have ANY hesitation about applying, put that aside and take my word - this will be one of the very best gifts you can give yourself as an artist. Enjoy the experience and be amazed at what you will achieve in it!”
— David Taylor, TN
“Lisa Orr is such a supportive, thoughtful mentor. I've really enjoyed working with her throughout this year. Having someone with whom I can freely talk out ideas, technical challenges, and career next steps has been so great. Her suggestions and direction have been spot on for what I've needed.”
— Dana Senge, CO
“Self education has always been at the core of anything I do, but having Simon in my corner has led to diving deeper into my work, my art and my own creative process than could ever have been achieved alone. I had reached the point of ‘what next’, and Simon challenged me to focus, get uncomfortable, forensically examine myself to see something new in my work – then say it. His insights and support helped me see beyond the process, into the possibilities, in myriad ways. Every aspect of the ceramic arts can be discussed with someone who has been there, and is willing to share – the Mentors transcend traditional teaching and mentorship and become a partner in your journey.
2023 Clay Cohorts has been my ‘Standing on the shoulders of a Giant’ year, in the studio and personally. Thank you Simon, I would love to see you next year for Continuum.”
— Joel Kuhn, Australia
“World traveler, innovator, environmentalist, punk rocker, her genuine enthusiasm for clay and life in general is infection. I can’t recommend Lisa’s cohort highly enough.”
— Osa Atoe, FL
“What a year in the studio so far , so many new ideas of work to make and experiments to try. Also a new found confidence to do it, dig deep and really make work that is me. All thanks to Claycohorts and Simon for making this journey possible, exciting , challenging and fun.”
— Stephen Corner, Ontario
“Imagine if you could have the opportunity to show and discuss your work twice a month with a really remarkable American potter! And get advice, tips, helps, opportunities, recipes, instruction, and everything from names such as Lisa Orr (my dear mentor), Simon Levin (creator of this amazing project) and so many other really incredible artists! And all that online from the comfort of your home. Yes, it is indeed awesome, and you can see your progress as time goes by. If you like ceramic and want to grow, this is a really powerful tool to achieve that!”
— Fernando Aidar, Brazil
"After conversations with Bede about the simplest shift in line, I look at every cup, every pot with new eyes."
— Joan Curry, TN
"Being a part of Clay Cohorts has given me a mentor and small community to discuss new ideas and participate in critiques I feel I've missed out on (I didn't go to school for art). Lisa Orr has been a fantastic guide moving my art, craft and business forward. I have felt encouraged, supported and appreciated while gaining many new insights into my processes and results during our monthly cohort meetings. Clay Cohorts has 100% been worth the investment!"
—Andrew Linderman, WI
"Sharing my Clay Cohorts experience feels like revealing a wonderful secret! This journey has been a true transformation for me, starting as a self-taught potter I was looking to enhance my connection with my work and the ceramic community. I was welcomed into Liz Lurie's cohort, where Liz tailored her guidance to push me towards my creative potential. Liz opened my eyes to the historical and current ceramic world, she challenged me to find my inspiration, and most of all she helped me find tools to make the changes I desired.
The pivotal moment for me was the transition from throwing pots to hand-building sculpture, all thanks to the uplifting and encouraging environment fostered by the cohort. Clay Cohorts became the catalyst for my growth, allowing me to discover my artistic voice and passion for sculpting. The mentorship and camaraderie shared with Liz and fellow participants have truly made this journey magical, re-igniting my joy in ceramics and fostering a sense of community that I will forever cherish."
—Amy Dimenna, SC
From the Clay Cohorts Class of 2022
“I have been constantly amazed with Lisa Orr’s laser-focused insights about not just my work, but the diverse work of everyone in my cohort. And her generosity! She willingly shares all her tradecraft and that is inspiring. She challenges me to take risks, make messes and experiment. And that is also hugely inspiring.”
— Rebecca McClure, British Columbia
“I am very lucky to be part of the ‘22 Clay Cohorts program. Along with the brilliant 1-on-1 mentorship from Simon Levin, I am fortunate to be sharing the experience with other talented potters.”
— Mike Olsen, Australia
“Clay Cohorts has been an incredible experience so far, and I’ve already seen so much growth in my own work.”
— Graham McKee, WI
Student of Lisa Orr, at 4 months into the program
“There are so many elements to this program that exceeded my expectations. Probably the most unexpected bonus has been the relationships made within my cohort and throughout the program as a whole. My expectations of the instructors were high when beginning Clay Cohorts, and with every different segment presented, I've been so impressed with the generosity of time and knowledge of all the mentors and guest artists.
Thank you to Simon, Ann Marie, Liz and Lisa for getting together and making a wonderful program here with the Clay Cohorts mentorship. I’m loving it!”
— Jen Sonnenberg, Manitoba
“It’s extremely beneficial to have the eyes of a skilled artist to look over the work you’re creating.”
— June Ambro, WI
Student of Liz Lurie
“With the help of my teacher, Simon Levin, I’ve been exploring some very new, very exciting paths for my future in clay. I’m so grateful to him for creating the program, and to Lisa Orr, Liz Lurie and Ann Marie Cooper for sharing their time and knowledge with us.”
— Any Guelmann, WA
“Clay Cohorts with Simon has been exactly the right program to propel my work forward and get past my home studio plateau.
Thank you Simon for this incredible experience. This program has been better than I could have imagined. Thank you Ann Marie, Lisa and Liz for helping make it happen.”
— Tina Opp, ND
“Despite distance or maybe because of it, we connect in deep, direct ways that fill me with delight and gratitude. Clay Cohorts nourishes communities. Simon is pretty great too.”
— Suzanne Weil, NH
“I highly recommend the Clay Cohorts Program! If you are looking for growth in your art practice, want to find your voice in clay, expand your skills or to focus on a body of work, etc., Clay Cohorts can deliver all that and more. I applied for Clay Cohorts to experiment with new forms and glazes, expanding my technical skill. Lisa Orr through Clay Cohorts has delivered that and more pushing me to experiment and take risks believing in me and my work. If you are wanting to take the next step in your clay practice, what are you waiting for? Apply today!”
— Olena Ellis, AK
“Lisa has been wonderful and has challenged me to think about what I am making and why.
Thanks, Simon, for starting this wonderful program that I hope will grow leaps and bounds in the future.”
— David Taylor, TN
“My time in Cohorts Arts has been a true delight. I came to the program as a self taught artist where Liz Lurie helped me find my voice, confidence and plan. I learned the vocabulary that I needed to describe my intentions and art. I was able to listen to my collaborators and Liz (my mentor) to hear what I needed to make my work better.
Liz took us into her home and gave us a fantastic week of demonstration and experimentation. I left full of heart and ideas. I will be forever grateful for Liz Lurie and the kind passage of her knowledge. I will treasure the things I learned like gems and will share them with others as we continue the creative thread of ceramics through time.“
— Jennifer Blakeslee, NC
From the Clay Cohorts Class of 2021
“The year with the cohorts has been a fantastic experience. Having a group with a variety of strengths and approaches has expanded my experience with critique--not just hearing what they see in my work, but also seeing the journey of my peers through their bodies of work. From a business side, advice on relationships with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries has been extremely helpful. And the week of firing was incredible. We shared lots of late nights and conversations around a kiln (and the kitchen) to discuss the finer points of living life as a potter!”
— Amy Song, IL
“Throughout our meetings together, Simon gave me the tools of self-critique. It's been an invaluable learning experience, made even better by the fact that I could continue to work out of my own studio and at my own pace. I'll be carrying the lessons I learned during the Cohort with me throughout my journey as a potter.”
— David Roswell, NC
“Working with Simon Levin as part of Clay Cohorts this last year was truly amazing. After taking some time away from clay, I was ready to focus on the making process again and I jumped at the chance to join the cohort. Simon taught me the important lessons of self-critique and making intentional choices in order to make better work. Group critiques proved invaluable and every one-on-one session with Simon left me with tools I will use throughout my clay journey. I was delighted at the connections made within the cohort and am confident I've gained lifelong friendships in the process; I am truly grateful for this experience.”
— Jess Lease, IA
“Simon's mentoring helped to deepen my understanding of our craft, helped me to start making conscious (versus intuitive) design choices at every step of the process, and laid a foundation for finding my voice in clay. Another unexpected and invaluable experience was getting to know my clay cohort "siblings". Our friendship and mutual support will hopefully last for years to come. We are already making plans for future group firings, gatherings and exhibitions.”
— Polina Miller, VA
“A year ago, my work did not have such a degree of thoughtfulness in its making beyond being just a vase, cup, mug, or so on. However, after nearly a year of being mentored by Simon Levin as part of Clay Cohorts, there’s a conscious level of thought from top to bottom in my work. I’ve become a more well-rounded maker during my year working with Simon and those in my group.”
— Ian Dunton, PA
“Working with Simon Levin over the past year has been a great experience. Simon's Clay Cohorts Class was a great fit for me with my own studio to use, I had all the materials and tools to make work from home. I had longed for an experienced mentor but with two small children was reluctant to step away from my family for an extended apprenticeship. When Simon offered the Clay Cohorts program I jumped at the opportunity and it was an excellent fit for my work/family life. Our group classes were insightful and I really enjoyed learning about the other students’ work and process. My individual classes with Simon were tailored towards my love of wood firing and over the course of the year he helped me with designing a wood kiln. Simon also was invaluable while I successfully disassembled and moved a wood kiln from West Virginia back to my home in Pennsylvania. Simon is a great teacher and his wisdom over the past year has been priceless, I would highly recommend his course to anyone who would like a personalized apprenticeship program but is unable to commit to time away from home.”
— William Moon, PA
“I am surprised and delighted with how much time I have spent with Simon discussing results of my wood firings. As someone who has fired with wood for a decade, the conversations have challenged me to really look at my kiln as a tool for experimentation versus ‘you get what you get.’”
— Amy Song, IL
“Being a part of Clay Cohorts this last year has been a great experience. Like many of the other participants I have obligations that make it hard to leave where I am to further my educational and artistic goals. I have a family with 2 small children and my wife has a good job. I have a full studio on main street in Sheridan, WY where we have a showroom, production area, and teaching center. Leaving rural Wyoming just isn't feasible. So when an opportunity arose to study with Simon digitally I immediately jumped on it.
It has been a great year. I was interested in growing my work, and being able to think critically about that work to make better pots. We talked a lot throughout the year about what makes a good pot, the language of clay, and developing a critical eye. The repetition of our meetings, and a one on one conference with an established artist twice a month was invaluable. I believe I have begun to acquire those skills, and will continue to develop them. I think the most critical thing that happened this year though, was a sense of confidence. Confidence in being able to look at other pots and really see/understand them. Confidence in the studio to explore new work and to think critically about the decision I am making there, and confidence in the goals and aspirations I have set for the future. I would recommend the Clay Cohorts experience to anyone. Anyone looking to grow as an artist, develop critical skills for the studio, or to push into new work with understanding.”
— Stephen Mullins, WY
