Atención: Art Talks. Interview With Nathan Schneider

By Pascual Hijuelos

In San Miguel, there are individuals who have had rich, fulfilling careers in the creative realm while also pursuing other interests. Nathan Schneider is one such person. For over 20 years Nathan was the Chief Architect for the City of Austin. He was responsible for the planning and design of the city's physical and aesthetic environment, but his true passion has always been ceramics. He has created exceptional ceramic pieces that reflect his architectural background. His skillful fusion of various building techniques results in structurally sound works, which he then transforms using glazes and rich textures. Through this process, mundane objects are elevated into aesthetically beautiful creations which are meant to be visually enjoyed while being user friendly. In conversation with Nathan I asked:

Nathan, why this interest in clay?

Growing up in New York City in the 1950s, I was always building things. I was pretty good with eye-hand coordination and I found it be fun. My mother and older sister were passionate about crafts so I was always surrounded by creative energy. Clay was always a constant in our home. We had a small amateur potter’s wheel that my mother used. I used to go downstairs to play with clay and make things for school. When my older sister went to college, she majored in ceramics, so I was constantly surrounded by projects in different stages of completion. This hands-on environment has stayed with me, my entire life.

Why did you become anarchitect?

I didn’t always know that I wanted to be an architect—I wasn’t exactly sure what architects did. I just knew that I enjoyed putting things together, so I figured architecture might be a good fit for me. In my third year of architectural school, we had to declare a secondary course of study, and I chose Art.  Subsequently I took courses in ceramics. It was then that I realized architecture and pottery shared many similarities. I enjoyed solving the problems and challenges both posed. This experience became my introduction to innovation and problem-solving.

As an architect how were you able to sustain your passion for ceramics?

While I was a practicing architect, I got a part-time job at one of the local pottery studios. There, I gained comprehensive knowledge of creating clay artworks—ranging from mixing clay and glazes to the technical application of glazes and firing the kiln. I continued working as a production potter for over 30 years, leading a dual life: one as an architect and more importantly one as a ceramicist. And even though I had stepped away from direct involvement in architectural design, it was pottery production that allowed me to continue nurturing my childhood fascination with building and creating.

When you arrived in San Miguel, what were your plans?

One of my goals was to further develop my signature style as a potter that would be uniquely recognized as mine. As a mature potter, I needed to expand my creative vocabulary. During this transition, I moved from wheel-thrown production pieces to crafting unique one-of-a-kind utilitarian vessels, such as bowls, platters, jars, bottles, and vases. My work evolved from fully glazed surfaces to a dynamic combination of glazed and unglazed textures. As I expanded my techniques, I began creating series in which each piece develops as part of an ongoing artistic exploration. Throughout this evolution, my design aesthetic remained deeply influenced by my background in architecture.

What are your future plans?

My goal is to create elegant functional work, which has sculptural beauty, even when the piece is not serving the purpose for which it was created there should be a graceful transition of one design element to one to another design element, inherent in great architecture, is seamless movement of one material into and through another material. I want this to be apparent in my pottery as well. This is true for how the pot comes together, as well as how it works as a functional piece of pottery.  It should feel good in the hand and it should be something that you want to use. I am a potter because it is who I am. I continue to stretch the limits of clay and make forms that haven't been made before.

Thank you, Nathan

Nathan can be contacted via email nathanstequila@yahoo.com