KERI STRAKA: ceramic artist + microbiology enthusiast

11/10/21 • 75 min

Massacussetts-based ceramic artist KERI STRAKA is fascinated with micro worlds: those inside the human body and those in nature, like the small dramas of a tide pool. Her love of quiet observation takes shape in the organic ceramic forms that hint of aquatic life, internal human structures and laboratory experiments.

A professor of ceramics at Framingham State University, Keri finds ways to sneak into the biology classes and used a residency at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute to further explore the similarities between scientific research and her own creative work.

Keri shares how she helps students work towards a holistic creative life, seeking to build a sustainable mix of endeavors to support the broader goals.

Find Keri:
Websites:
www.keristraka.comwww.bostonsculptors.comwww.commongroundyoga.com

Mentioned:

Professor Pat McCormick, retired ceramics teacher (read)
Crow Valley Pottery, Eastsound, WA (explore)
Framingham State University (visit)
“The Architecture of the Human Body,” Alexander Tsiaras (read)
Jacqui Bonwell, yoga instructor (learn)
Natasha Rizopoulos, yoga instructor (learn)
“Five Minds for the Future (Leadership for the Common Good),” Howard Gardner (read)
“Internal Blooming,” past exhibit at Boston Sculpture Gallery (read)
“Squish Fold and Twist” exhibition, Mazmanian Gallery, Framingham State University, Nov. 15 -Dec. 10, 2021; Opening reception on Nov. 16th from 4:30-6:30pm. (learn)

Photography by Tracy Rodriguez and Keri Straka

Find Me, Kristy Darnell Battani:
Website: https://www.kristybattani.com
Instagram: kristybattaniart
Facebook: kristybattaniart
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Music:"Surf Guitar Madness," Alexis Messier,
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Keri shares how she helps students work towards a holistic creative life, seeking to build a sustainable mix of endeavors to support the broader goals.

Find Keri:
Websites:
www.keristraka.comwww.bostonsculptors.comwww.commongroundyoga.com

Mentioned:

Professor Pat McCormick, retired ceramics teacher (read)
Crow Valley Pottery, Eastsound, WA (explore)
Framingham State University (visit)
“The Architecture of the Human Body,” Alexander Tsiaras (read)
Jacqui Bonwell, yoga instructor (learn)
Natasha Rizopoulos, yoga instructor (learn)
“Five Minds for the Future (Leadership for the Common Good),” Howard Gardner (read)
“Internal Blooming,” past exhibit at Boston Sculpture Gallery (read)
“Squish Fold and Twist” exhibition, Mazmanian Gallery, Framingham State University, Nov. 15 -Dec. 10, 2021; Opening reception on Nov. 16th from 4:30-6:30pm. (learn)

Photography by Tracy Rodriguez and Keri Straka

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Previous Episode

JENNY GRANT: mixed media + med tech + mountain biker

Swedish mixed media artist Jenny Grant approaches her work with the same adrenaline she channels while mountain biking—remembering to look ahead, absorb the bumps and just keep going. Jenny shares how she works with seasonal flow and the importance of really listening to yourself to be able to identify your own creative energy peaks and valleys.

Born with an innate fascination with how things work, Jenny initially “kept the doors open” by obtaining a masters of science in physics and working in business development for medical technology programs and equipment. She has always found joy in helping people understand things, particularly hard things, and now helps other artists understand how to harness their own creative energy in workshops and online videos. It’s not hard to understand why Jenny’s classes are always sold out: she radiates contagious positive energy.

Find Jenny:

Website: www.jennygrantart.com
Instagram: @flowbyjenny Facebook: JennyGrantArtYoutube: FlowbyJennyPintrest: FlowbyJenny

Mentioned:

Tour Jenny’s Falu red studio (watch)
Falu red, color of traditional Swedish cottages (learn)
Jenny's Community on Facebook, mentioned in the podcast (learn)
Think Like A Monk, Jay Shetty (read)
100 Rejections Project (learn)

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Next Episode

MOTHH: painter + songwriter / choosing your identity

As an up and coming painter and singer-songwriter, Mothh (formerly known as Adelaide Tai) intentionally shapes her work and identity to match the energy she wants in her life. Splitting her time between Atlanta and Los Angeles, Mothh’s artwork is as fluid and bold as her own personal choices. Using enamel, oil, acrylic, and resin, Mothh creates dreamy, celestial forms.

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Find Mothh:

Website: www.hiadelaide.com/ (new mothh.us website coming 2022)
Instagram: @gentlemothh

Mentioned: