Njeri A Buncamper

Clay and Kin

Arts EN ↓ 36 episodes

Clay & Kin — A father-daughter duo diving into the world of ceramics, art, and everything in between. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Dad brings the wisdom; I bring the curiosity. Together, we mold, glaze, and fire up conversations that celebrate craft and connection. Dad is Ceramic artist Richard Buncamper, he holds a BFA from Howard University and an MFA from Alfred University. For over thirty years he taught both graduate students and undergraduates at Kean University before retiring in 2007. Richard has exhibited widely. Reach us @ ceramics@clayandkin.com we love feedback!

Author

Njeri A Buncamper

Category

Arts

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jul 4, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Hands in Clay, Hearts in New York: A Knicks Win Conversation 04.07.2026

In this episode, Dad and I take a joyful detour from clay to the court, breaking down the Knicks’ big win and what it means to longtime fans like him. We talk legacy, loyalty, and why certain victories just hit different when you share them with family. It’s sports, storytelling, and a little New York magic woven into our usual Clay & Kin rhythm.

When the Bell Stops, But the Calling Doesn’t 20.06.2026

In this episode of Clay & Kin, Dad and I explore what happens when a lifelong teacher steps out of the classroom but never stops teaching. We talk about identity, purpose, creativity, and the quiet ways teaching continues long after retirement. From the studio to everyday life, this conversation reveals how a calling can evolve, soften, and deepen — even when the bell has long since rung.

Saving the Studio: Fighting for Ceramics and the Arts 06.06.2026

This week, Dad and I take on a growing crisis in higher education: the removal of ceramics, studio arts, and humanities programs from colleges and universities across the country. We talk about what’s driving these cuts, what’s at stake when creative disciplines are treated as expendable, and why these programs have always been more than “electives.” They’re places where students learn to think cr...

What Dad Carried Home from NSECA 23.05.2026

Fresh from the 2026 NSECA Conference in Detroit, Dad and I talk about what stayed with him long after the sessions ended. The ideas, artists, and conversations that left an imprint—from community building to the evolving role of ceramics in education. It’s a gentle, thoughtful exchange about how gatherings like NSECA continue to shape our creativity.

Seeing with care: best practices for visiting a gallery or museum 09.05.2026

In this episode of Clay & Kin , Dad and I sit down to talk about something every art lover—and every curious visitor—should know: the best practices for experiencing museums and galleries with intention, respect, and genuine presence.

Thrown in the Fire : Art in Political Times 25.04.2026

In This episode Dad and I explore the long, intertwined relationship between art and public life—how creativity becomes a language for expressing identity, challenging norms, and imagining new possibilities.

From the Artist’s View: How to Experience Art More Deeply 11.04.2026

In this episode of Clay & Kin, we explore what it really means to experience art—not just look at it. Dad and I talk about the best practices for visiting museums and galleries, from slowing down and being present to engaging with the space, the staff, and the stories behind the work.

Analog Hands, Digital Horizons 28.03.2026

In this episode,Dad and I have a thoughtful conversation about the surprising and beautiful tension between digital media and clay. We explore how ancient, tactile practices meet modern tools, how technology can expand rather than replace tradition, and what it means to carry creative lineage into a rapidly changing world. It’s part storytelling, part reflection, and fully rooted in the shared joy...

On the Road to Detroit: Preparing for NSECA 2026 16.03.2026

In this special father–daughter episode, I sit down with dad, Richard Buncamper ceramics teacher, mentor, and artist of more than forty years—to talk about the upcoming 2026 NSECA Conference in Detroit. Together, we explore what NSECA has meant to him across decades of teaching, how the conference continues to shape the ceramics community, and what he’s most excited to experience this year.

Clay Reimagined: Altering Art After It’s Yours 14.03.2026

What happens when a ceramic piece leaves the studio and enters someone’s home—does its story end, or just begin? In this episode of Clay & Kin, Dad and I, dive into the fascinating (and sometimes controversial) practice of altering ceramics after purchase.

Clay remembers what hands forget 28.02.2026

In this episode, Dad and I explore the afterlife of ceramics—how art endures, how legacy is carried, and how stories live on through the vessels we leave behind.

Finding Your Voice: Becoming Your Own Unique Artist 14.02.2026

In this heartfelt and illuminating conversation, dad and I explore what it truly means to become your own unique artist. From early influences to creative breakthroughs. We talk about resisting trends, embracing doubt, and honoring legacy while forging new ground. Whether you're just starting out or deep in your craft, this episode offers inspiration, honesty, and practical wisdom for anyone s...

Layers of Meaning: Surface Development in Ceramics 31.01.2026

In this richly textured conversation, Dad and I discuss the art and intention behind surface development in ceramics. From glaze chemistry to storytelling through texture, we unpack how surface becomes a language of its own. Whether you're a seasoned potter or simply curious about the alchemy of clay, this episode offers insight into the techniques, philosophies, and personal journeys that sha...

Where Earth Meets Fire and Forge 17.01.2026

What happens when clay meets metal? We’re talking fire, form, and the fusion of two powerful materials. Tune in as we explore legacy, technique, and the art of transformation.

Porcelain: Not Just for Teacups 03.01.2026

In this episode of Clay & Kin, Dad and I explore the delicate dance between fragility and strength, the historical weight of porcelain traditions, and the quiet lessons clay teaches about control, surrender, and transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or simply curious about the soul of ceramics, this conversation invites you into the kiln’s glow—where legacy and innovation meet.

Beyond the Wheel: Exploring Alternative Ceramic Techniques 20.12.2025

In this episode, we step away from the pottery wheel to explore the diverse and dynamic world of hand-built ceramics. From slab building and coiling to sculptural forms and slip casting. Whether you're a seasoned potter or just clay-curious, this episode will expand your view of what’s possible in ceramics—no wheel required.

From Clay to Grain: A Potter’s Take on Woodturning 06.12.2025

In this special episode of Clay & Kin, Dad a ceramics teacher and lifelong maker and I explore the art of woodturning through a ceramicist’s lens. What happens when clay meets grain, and the wheel meets the lathe?

Through the Lens of Fire : Photographing your ceramic work 30.11.2025

In this visually rich episode of Clay & Kin, we explore the intersection of photography and ceramics—two mediums that shape light, form, and memory. Dad reflects on how photography can elevate ceramic artistry, from documenting texture and glaze to preserving legacy and process. Whether you're behind the wheel or behind the camera, this episode invites you to see clay in a whole new light.

From Wheel to Table: A Legacy in Every Dish 15.11.2025

In this flavorful episode of Clay & Kin, Dad and I explore the intersection of ceramics and the restaurant business—where handmade plates meet culinary artistry. From the weight of a bowl to the story behind a glaze, we dive into how form and function shape the dining experience. Whether you're a chef, ceramicist, or simply someone who savors the details, this conversation serves up legacy...

Formed by Fire : High School of Art and Design 01.11.2025

What happens when a teenager meets a potter’s wheel for the first time? In this episode, we trace the messy, magical beginnings of Dad's ceramic artist journey at High School for Art and Design in New York City. Expect stories of studio beginnings, unforgettable teachers, and the moment clay became more than just a class—it became a calling.

Funding the Fire: How Ceramic Artists Can Secure Grants 18.10.2025

In this episode of Clay & Kin, we dig into the world of grants—those elusive, game-changing resources that can help ceramic artists turn vision into reality. Whether you're building a community kiln, launching a new body of work, or simply trying to carve out more time for the wheel, funding matters

Clay and The Human Form 04.10.2025

In this episode, we dive into the captivating intersection of clay and human form. Whether you’re a sculptor or artist this conversation will inspire new ways of seeing clay and art. Tune in to learn the creative philosophy that unites sculpting and Human Form.

Clay and Performance Art: Keep on Working! 21.09.2025

In this episode, we dive into the captivating intersection of clay and performance art. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of integrating ceramics into live performances and continuing to create art during economic challenges. Dad a renowned ceramicist, shares his journey into the world of performance art, discussing how he prepared for performances, economic downturns, engage...

Ceramics Across Industries 06.09.2025

From spacecraft heat shields to haute couture runways, ceramics are shaping more than just pottery wheels. Clay and Kin dives into the hidden lives of clay—exploring how this ancient material is driving innovation in tech, architecture, fashion, medicine, and beyond. Each episode brings together makers, thinkers, and boundary-pushers who use ceramics in ways that redefine artistry and utility. Whe...

Tiny Hands Big Clay Dreams 23.08.2025

In this episode we explore the magic of clay through a child’s eyes. This podcast is all about introducing kids to the world of ceramics—from squishy first touches to playful creations that spark imagination and joy. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just clay-curious, join us for heartwarming tales, gentle guidance, and practical tips on making the ceramic arts accessible to little hands. Beca...

Listen to the Clay and Kin podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.