Erin White is a dynamic artist who masterfully blends photography and ceramics to create captivating visual symphonies. Her journey started in the darkroom, evolving into a dual career that combines the precision of photography with the organic flow of ceramics. Erin’s work captures the beauty of handcrafted ceramic pieces through her lens, turning each creation into a stunning masterpiece. Her dedication and innovative approach set her apart, making her a powerful force in contemporary art. Whether shaping clay or capturing the perfect shot, Erin’s work shines with purpose and artistic integrity.
How did your journey as a ceramicist and photographer begin, and how has this dual career shaped your experience?
My passion for photography started in high school, where I spent hours in the darkroom. My grandfather was a photographer, so it felt natural, but I didn’t initially consider it a career. I majored in English, but I kept taking photo and art classes. A professor encouraged me to apply to art school, which I thought was crazy at the time. I ended up transferring to SCAD for photography, believing it was my calling. However, in my last semester, I took a ceramics class, and it clicked. Ceramics became my true passion, and now I balance both, with ceramics as my focal point.
How did your early experiences influence your decision to pursue both ceramics and photography? How do these two mediums complement each other?
Photography is rooted in reality, especially in the digital realm, while ceramics is more of a quiet, intuitive process. The two balance each other perfectly. My photography skills allow me to capture my ceramic pieces beautifully. Interestingly, many photographers I know are drawn to ceramics, perhaps because it engages the hands in a different way. The two mediums complement each other better than I anticipated.
What inspired you to pursue both ceramics and photography? How do you balance these artistic disciplines in your creative process?
Photography pays the bills, but ceramics is my passion. I don’t reach for my camera unless I’m photographing a ceramic piece or working. Photography is more of a financial support for my ceramics, allowing me to create with peace of mind. I hope to return to photography creatively one day, but for now, ceramics fulfills me.
Is there a form of photography you enjoy more than others?
I love medium format film photography, even though it’s a slow process, and I don’t practice it professionally. I gravitate toward slower, more deliberate mediums. My creative practice contrasts with the fast pace of New York City, making it more bearable to live here. My studio is like a breath of fresh air.
What challenges have you faced in balancing your work as a ceramicist and a photographer, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing both is still a work in progress. Freelancing makes it hard to map out my week. I might throw some pieces on the wheel, then switch to emails or photography jobs. My system is constantly adjusting, and I haven’t figured it out yet.
Can you highlight some memorable projects that showcase the synergy between ceramics and photography?
One area where they intersect professionally is interior photography. Sometimes, stylists or designers ask me to bring my ceramic pieces to shoots. Seeing my work in these interiors is rewarding. While ceramics and photography feel separate in my mind, they are intertwined, especially when I use my photography skills to capture my ceramic creations.
Clients: ArtStar, West Elm, Kitchen Aid, Arhaus, The Agency, Brownstone Boys, The Home Depot, Level Home, TF Cornerstone
What sets your work apart in both ceramics and photography, and how do you integrate these mediums to create a unique artistic vision?
I’m not sure if my photography stands out, but my approach to ceramics might be unique. I see so many talented people every day, and I feel I have a long way to go. However, I’m grateful for my photography background, as it allows me to document my ceramic work in a meaningful way.
What advice would you give aspiring artists who want to explore multiple disciplines?
Just do it. I’m trying to reduce the time between having an idea and taking action. If you have an idea, don’t overthink it—just go after it. There are so many mediums to explore, and you might discover talents you didn’t know you had. If I feel like water coloring in the park, I do it, even if I’m not great at it. It’s about enjoying the process and finding inspiration.
How do you handle the pressure of excelling in two different art forms? What strategies do you use to maintain creativity and innovation?
I definitely feel pressure, especially with commissions, but it’s a good fire. Journaling daily has been a crucial strategy for me. As an anxious person, clearing my mind before work helps me enjoy the process. I also pay attention to what I’m consuming, as it influences what I create. Engaging with inspiring content, whether through books or conversations, helps keep my creativity flowing.
What are your long-term goals as a ceramicist? Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?
My long-term goals are constantly evolving. I’d love to do ceramics full-time and create a space where I can work with other artists, perhaps with a residency program. Ultimately, I want to build a community of artists and live off my work. But in the next three to five years, I’m not sure yet.
How do you plan to continue evolving your artistic practice?
Evolving means continuously feeding my brain and setting small goals. Ceramics is a popular medium, but I believe there’s space for everyone. If I ever feel stuck, I try to take a break and find new inspiration. I remind myself that I’d still create ceramics even if it wasn’t my career because it brings me joy.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your approach to ceramics or photography?
I wish I had realized sooner that photography didn’t calm my anxieties and that ceramics was my true passion. However, I’m still early in my ceramics journey, so I don’t have many regrets.
What personal qualities have been crucial to your success in blending ceramics and photography?
My mindset of “if it works out, great; if it doesn’t, great” has been crucial. It grounds me and allows me to enjoy the process without pressure. Ceramics brings me inner peace and confidence that I never fully felt with photography. It doesn’t feel like work, and I’m so grateful for that.
Any final thoughts or advice?
I truly believe everyone is creative and capable of creating—just try it.