Cosmic Wheel

My good friend Christian at PRMTVO asked if I would photograph Joshua Zucker of Big Bell Ceramics, as they recently collaborated on some limited edition products. Naturally, I was honored, and it was great to meet Josh in his very natural habitat, doing something on his own time that he is incredibly passionate about.

‍Josh's background is from skate culture, photography, and filmmaking, but he had an epiphany one day to pursue a career in pottery making. Fast-forward to the present day, and Josh is now a master of the trade, collaborating with some of the world's most contemporary brands. Follow your dreams, people; don't waste another day.

Tell me about family life and growing up in Massachusetts?

I was born on New Year’s Day, 1993. Around my seventh birthday I became obsessed with skateboarding. After months of asking, my Dad bought me a board at a yard sale and we spray painted the bottom black. Right from the start, the aesthetic was as important as the physical act. Like a lot of kids, stickers and board graphics had a huge appeal to me.

Besides skateboarding, a few of earliest memories were actually in pottery studios. I enjoyed the vibrant glaze colors and the distinct, earthy smell of clay, but had a hard time finding a passion in any educational environment. Still, I’d stare in awe when I’d get a glimpse of an older student throwing pieces on the pottery wheel. Something about it was so impressive but unattainable that I didn’t give it much thought until I was in my 20’s.

I had an independent personality, but was also stubborn and very quiet as a child. In grade school my education of skateboarding was entirely DIY because it was impossible to find guidance without the internet or meeting other skaters. If I wanted to learn a new trick, I had zero understanding of how realistic it was until I tried it. There are pros and cons to this approach, but now I’m thankful for it because it’s a skill that I heavily rely on in the studio.

What were you getting up to during your teenage years?

Eventually I made a few friends whose parents would drop us off at skateparks, skate shops, or train stations to go into the city. I started filming and editing videos during this time which shifted my focus to visual art. Over the next decade I was especially obsessed with video editing and photography.

I know your background is in skating and then ultimately documenting that scene through video and photography. Can you tell me a bit about that period?

During high school I was angsty to move to California as soon as possible. When I arrived in LA I inevitably experienced a culture shock. I dealt with the drastic life change in multiple ways such as habitually documenting my surroundings and peers. I believed that I was going to spend the rest of my life working in digital media, but eventually experience and circumstances altered my future.

You then started sketching people / objects and had an epiphany one day?

My parents were supportive of keeping a sketch book from a young age. I used to copy pages out of MAD magazine or draw my face in the mirror. Once I picked up a camera, I stopped drawing, but after years of shooting, the idea of slowing down excited me. I interned for an oil painter who changed my perspective. All of a sudden I was looking at compositions differently and fell in love with impressionism. I kept a sketchbook again and used it daily. Before I knew it, something clicked in my head. I wanted to physically create the pitcher that I was drawing. I immediately signed up at the studio next to my house and it’s only snowballed from there.

You’ve now transitioned fully into a ceramicist artist so where do you typically draw inspiration from for each piece / series you’re making?

The idea of documenting is still in the back of my head. It’s not as literal as it was in photography or videography, but more so linked to memories, current events, or people. For example, the orange igloo planter that was made recently is tied to a recollection of summer camp and drinking from a big cooler of bug juice in the sweltering heat. Many of the designs that I’ve made series of represent personal stories that are close to my heart.

Your work appears very witty and whimsical which is obviously intentional?

There is a long history of potters who are known for their clever pieces or whimsical styles. I’m happy to continue in their footsteps while making pieces that I enjoy to see in the world as well.

You seem to have honed in on pipes and smoke wear. Did you see a space to do something more playful and design orientated than what currently exists in your typical smoke store?

I love the functional aspect of pottery. Handmade smokeware especially is a niche that is rapidly growing. It feels like an exciting time to create pieces that are different and sincere compared to the mass produced, tacky paraphernalia from the past.

And color is clearly an integral part of your work?

Bright colors are frequently utilized as I often dye the clay with mason stains. My use of color was largely inspired by my fiancé, Jenny. I love the pallet that she’s added to my life and absolutely has shaped the feel of my ceramics from the start.

You’ve partnered with some great stores and brands, so tell me a few of your favorite projects to date?

There’s so many cool brands and shops that I would have never had imagined I’d get to work with. At the end of the day my favorite opportunities are the ones that involve personal relationships such as the upcoming collaborations with Homebody, Mister Green, or PRMTVO’s next drop.

Lastly, where does one go to unwind?

My outdoor studio is one of my favorite places in the world.

MW Top 5 local spots?

Norton Simon Museum

Pasadena Sandwich Co.

Laguna Clay

Mary's Market

Vroman's bookstore