This episode is a triple shot of three interviews from Eye of the Dog Art Center. Their mission is to create a safe, communal space for all kinds of artists - beginners to professionals - to come together and express their creative sides. They believe in unlocking the creativity within every person through the medium of clay and offer a wide range of classes for all their students. Whether you’re a professional looking for new inspiration, a brand new student hoping to learn a thing or two about art or simply interested in picking up a new hobby, Eye of the Dog Art Center is here to welcome you into the fold.
In this episode, we get to learn about the Art Center from three amazing men, namely:
Billy Ray Mangham: He is the founder of Eye the Dog Art Center, together with his wife, Beverly. Billy will be telling us how he met his wife, how the art center came to life, his artistic journey, and the future of Eye of the Dog Art Center.
Ty Johnson: He is a photo journalist from Austin who came to Texas to find a different trajectory in his life. Ty took clay classes and instantly fell in love with clay, and he was at Eye of the Dog Art Center when it started. Ty will be sharing how he met Billy and Beverly and became their next door neighbor, how he finds inspiration for his pieces of art, and how the Art Center has developed.
Rob Sheldon: Rob makes ceramic objects and teaches pottery here at the art center. Also, he teaches ceramics/pottery in Austin. He shares how he discovered his journey and passion for art, how he came to the Art Center, among other things. Rob holds some interesting classes called throwing glows.
If you are into pottery or are planning to join the pottery community, this episode is for you.
Key Talking Points of the Episode
Part One: Billy Ray Mangham
[00:56] Eye of the Dog Art Center
[01:45] Billy Ray’s background story
[06:27] The history of the Texas Clay Festival
[12:33] Billy’s Highlights over the years: What keeps him going?
[15:00] How Billy met his wife, Beverly
[16:57]What does the future hold for Eye of the Dog Art Center?
[21:28] Billy’s advice for people who want to get into pottery
[24:52] Billy’s teaching philosophy and how it changed his life
Part Two: Ty Johnson
[27:43] Ty Johnson’s experience with Eye of the Dog Art Center
[30:17] Ty’s pieces of art and what inspired them
[34:53] How the Art Center has grown according to Thai
Part Three: Rob Sheldon
[37:24] Rob’s history with pottery and what he does at the art center
[41:58]Rob’s history with Billy and Beverly
[48:04] Throwing glows classes by Rob
[49:55] Rob’s art and how it has evolved
[54:45] Rob’s future with Texas and the art center
[58:18] People’s experience when they come to the art center
Key Quotes from the Episode:
“You learn more from your mistakes than you do your successes.”
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Website: eyeofthedogartcenter.com
TX Clay Festival: texasclayfestival.com
Book
Finding Flow- Mihaly Csikszentmihalhi