Atmospheric Wares with August “Augusta” Smith
There are few craftspeople as young or as passionate as August “Augusta” Smith. If you haven’t already experienced his fine ceramics while dining at Bacanora, Espiritu, or Cocina Chiwas, you may have found his work on display at Monsoon Market, For the People, Practical Art, and Dialog. Whenever I get to see Augusta (which is rare, because he’s often submerged in work at his studio), I’m always enamored with how he talks about his craft. Augusta loves clay. He loves his own work with clay and also keeps a wall of mugs he’s collected from other artists. If you get him started, Augusta could talk for hours about each mug, in great detail and even adoration for each craftsman and perfected (of imperfected) technique. Augusta is a true artist, and a master of his craft.
“I'm constantly enamored by the tactile nature of clay and the collaboration between surface and form, and how those impact presence and function. I make compulsively, to scratch an unscratchable itch.”
Why Phoenix? Augusta moved to Phoenix from South Carolina for school in 2014. He continues to stay in Phoenix for two main reasons: there’s an exciting art scene & room to grow. This summer, Augusta is headed to flagstaff to further perfect atmospheric tableware, with the ultimate goal of opening a large production studio to service local restaurants further & help train local potters.
This month Patreon Members of the Red Tier will be receiving recycled stoneware teacups. Augusta wrote about the teacups himself:
“These are made from a blend of high iron stoneware and porcelain, a blend reflecting the zero waste practice of my studio. Unless contaminated, all clay from failed pieces is saved and reclaimed, to honor the material and promote sustainability in my practice. They are thrown intuitively, without measuring, to a strong but light form that can be used for a small amount of your favorite libation.”
You can find Augusta’s work at any of the above listed boutiques and restaurants, as well as with his collaborative partner, HANDSEYESMIND and on his instagram, @augusta_pots.
