IAN BUCHBINDER 11 CR

Coywolf Studio

Based in Providence, RI

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

When I was studying at RISD I split my time between the Ceramics and Illustration departments. I had always considered the two separate pursuits that existed in parallel. Slowly, over time they began to merge in to the work I am focused on now. Today, my ceramic vessels act as functional canvasses for my illustrations so that I can strengthen both facets of my creative identity together.

What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?

Creating personalized ceramics for my customers has been the most rewarding aspect of my business. Working with my customers to make something born from their creativity and imagination has never failed to enrich my experience of making art.

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

Much of my inspiration draws from the ways ceramics interact with the world outside of contemporary craft. Silica tiles in a space shuttle absorbing and distributing immense amounts of heat, anthropological finds that help illustrate an ancient civilization, and so many other instances of clay in unique contexts help to draw my designs and ideas to the surface.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

Last spring I launched a new design featuring fossils underneath colorful mountain ranges. I am still refining the shapes and overall design of each item and couldn’t be more excited to discuss them with the folks at the RISD Craft show!

To see more of Ian’s work, visit www.coywolfstudio.com