Meet Ariel Fry | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Fry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

When I take risks, it typically feels like a big idea that I can’t stop thinking about, that I fundamentally need to try. If I don’t take the risk, I typically think back on it and how I should have given it a shot. That’s certainly what pushed me to pivot my career and focus on making pottery full time- because if I didn’t try it, I know I would always regret it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I started Buckley Ceramics almost a year ago, before that my ceramic work had been secondary to my academic and professional career. Starting my own business was an opportunity for me to take the jump and land where I knew I could practice my artwork full time and have an opportunity to fully explore my creativity.

I like to create objects that are beautiful and functional. Often these are wheel thrown pieces, but I also enjoy hand building and sculpting. I like to think of my work as modern Americana; I am greatly inspired by minimalism, wabi sabi aesthetics, and early American folk art.

There are so many layers to exploring ceramic work and I am not interested in making the same thing over and over. I focus on simplicity in my work so there is continuity in creating unique pieces each time and exploring new ideas. Ceramics can be an amazing art form for that reason – the possibilities are endless and I never get tired of the process as it’s never the same the next time around.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

A great day in Tucson would start in the early morning at the Tohono O’odham Swap Meet for pupusas, then to Mission Gardens for a stroll through the gardens and maybe to catch a plant sale. Then over to downtown to go to a museum and lunch (MOCA and Five Points?). Afterward, time to hit up some thrift stores and later a show or movie to finish the day. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends have been so supportive in my journey as a ceramic artist, especially my partner Michael, my father, and my friends Jilli and Tina. Their support and words of encouragement have been monumental to me.

Website: https://buckleyceramics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckleyceramics/

Image Credits
Photos are named accordingly. Credit: Buckley Ceramics