TAG Interviews Joe Pinkelman

Joe Pinkelman is exhibiting paintings and ceramics in his show New Work: The Heaven and Hell Series.
He answered some questions from us:

Are there any challenges working with the artisans in Jingdezhen, China?
In general, Jingdezhen has been great because it is a place where you come in with an idea and you have incredible technicians that help you realize that idea in ceramic form. They literally have 1000 years of experience behind them. It isn't a challenge working there because it is very first world in environment so all of your needs are met.

Self Portrait #1, stoneware, wire, 21 x 15 x 10"

You have a couple of 2d drawings in this show. 
Is this something new for you? Or work that you just haven't exhibited at TAG before?
I've always worked in a 2-D medium so I wanted to include some images in this recent show.

Trees #1, oil/charcoal on paper, 44 x 33"

Has your day job influenced your art?
My job doesn't influence my work, rather various life experiences.

What is the biggest challenge that you face as an artist? 
I think ceramics is a very abstract medium like poetry and music, yet unfortunately in our culture it (ceramics) goes quite unappreciated except as a craft medium. That however doesn't deter me from working in the medium.

Do you have some questions for Joe?
Come ask him at the Artists' Talk at TAG on Saturday, June 8, 3-4pm.
The show runs until May 15th.
There will be a closing reception on Saturday, May 15th from 4-5pm.