We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert King. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Robert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self-taught ceramic artist. This is not to say that I didn’t have lots of help along the way. Particularly as I was just starting out, I read every book and watched every video I could get my hands on because I had completely fallen in love with the craft.

I don’t think the goal when learning a new skill should be speed. What’s the rush, you know? I worked hard to get better at my craft but I also very much enjoyed the journey-a path I still find myself on. I’m glad I took my time and enjoyed being a beginner and the endless opportunities for growth and improvement that offers. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be serious about trying to improve your skills, but I’ve found that really each improvement in your skillset just leads to more beautiful questions and challenges, I try to embrace that.

Recently, I was part of a panel discussion as one of the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Emerging Artists for 2024. They asked me, “What does it mean to be an emerging artist?” For me, emergence isn’t really a one-time thing—it’s ongoing. My goal is to keep evolving and embracing new opportunities to grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m originally from the Choctaw Nation Reservation in Oklahoma. Most of my life has been dedicated to studying and practicing medicine as a family physician. One of my proudest achievements was helping to launch a residency program that aimed to train young doctors on the reservation, encouraging them to stay and work in rural Oklahoma, especially within the Choctaw Nation. It was a huge success, but eventually, it was time for the next generation to take over. Feeling as if I had done what I needed to do in medicine, I decided to shift gears and really pursue my passion for ceramics more seriously.

I moved just outside Santa Fe to Galisteo, New Mexico, and set up my own studio. It was quite a change from the lush green forests and streams of the Choctaw Nation to the windy, desolate high desert. At first, I questioned if I belonged in this new place which seemed pretty ambivalent to my presence. I felt disconnected and I turned to pottery as a way to connect with the land around me. I started experimenting with local clays, rocks, minerals, and sand from the arroyos nearby. These experiments really deepened my understanding and bond with this place I now call home.

In early 2023, I officially launched Duende Ceramics (@duende.ceramics) to find homes for the pieces I was creating. I focused on small batches of functional and decorative pieces, each one reflecting my connection to this incredible place. The response has been overwhelming, and recently, I opened Duende Gallery (@duende.gallery.galisteo) in an historic 1890s dance hall. It’s become a space for not only sharing my work but also for other artists who are shaping the future of their mediums.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

When I launched Duende Gallery, I really wanted to create a full sensory experience. The gallery is housed in this beautifully weathered old dance hall from the 1890s. Stepping inside can feel like stepping into another world right in the middle of the high desert. The space is just magical, it captivates you. You’ve got these worn wooden floors, cracked walls that give you glimpses of the original adobe bricks, indigenous flute music playing softly in the background and the scent of palo santo lingering in the air.

It’s not just a gallery; it’s an experience. And I’ve curated some incredibly exciting contemporary art in this space. It all just works really well together.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s really rewarding to make my living through play and exploration of my creativity. To be able to explore myself and this world I live in and others who inhabit it and how all of those things relate to one another is endlessly gratifying. For me, it’s about embracing that sense of curiosity and letting my imagination run wild. I continue to surprise myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.duendegallery.net www.duendeceramic.com
• Instagram: @duende.gallery.galisteo @duende.ceramics

Image Credits

Corey King (@corey.bking)
Brandon Soder (@brandonsoder)