We recently connected with Alec Hoogland and have shared our conversation below.

Alec, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I went to a small school in central Indiana where I earned a bachelors degree in ceramics. My professor at the time, Nick Roudebush, was an adjunct professor that taught one day a week. While we had limited time, he was a great teacher and delegated most responsibilities to me and a few other students. These responsibilities included – making clay, loading/unloading electric kilns, firing gas kilns, mixing glazes, and firing the soda kiln. Though my education included lots of hands on learning of equipment, I felt as though I was not receiving an education on creating good pots. Instead, my education was focused on design, critical thinking, and gallery work. After I graduated in 2016, I spent 1.5 years working in production throwing about 100 mugs a day. In 2018, I made the decision to pursue clay as a full time career. Since being full time, I do independent contract work for Goshen artist, Justin Rothshank. My work has also been used in local restaurants and cafes such as Fat Bird, Roselily, Bantam Chicken and Seafood, Render, and Cloud Walking. With my education in clay was geared towards alternative firings and studio maintenance, it posed a lot of difficulties finding my footing with the electric kiln. However, with my time in production, I was able to make high volumes of work and start with what I knew of electric firings until I found what works.

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 got into ceramics because of the people I found in the community of clay who nurtured my interest into a passion. From this passion grew a desire to create works that folks could use and enjoy. I started making works for local restaurants and coffee shops around the country by going into places where I was visiting or sending emails to potential clients. I offer a base collection of work – mugs, 8″ bowls/plates and 11″ bowls/plates. However, there is always room for custom work with logos on mugs or a custom plat/bowl design With my design background, I always want to work with clients to help see their vision through – whether that be color, design, size, etc. The amazing thing about clay is the options of design and color are near endless. With backgrounds in painting, sculpture, and design, I am able to create works for clients that they may not find online or from artists creating simple wares – though there is room for all of us making pots. I am most proud of my work at Roselily here in South Bend, IN. Chef Eamonn worked with me to create designs that would let his plating stand out and incorporated pouring vessels for broths to create a fun and unique dining experience. Since I am only one person, my clients have been incredibly understanding of my turn around time of 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer months and 6-8 in the fall and winter months.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started my business with the bare minimum I needed to make it work. My kiln was a small kiln I got for $100 that could barely fit 20 mugs and an old kick wheel I got for $50. With every new order I purchased the clay I needed and a little more if I could afford it to make personal work. As extra income became available, I was able to collect items i needed for shipping, throwing, firing, etc. I would set aside money not needed to pay bills and only bought what was essential to make pots – which was clay. Five years later and I have been able to upgrade my kiln, purchase two electric wheel and keep glazes and clay ordered and ready to be replenished when needed.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is the freedom to create my own schedule and constantly be doing what I love. Working from home has given me the ability to spend time with my daughter, wife, and friends. I have gotten to meet some amazing people and be a part of some fantastic events. This is not to say that working from home does not pose some challenges. I work in a basement by myself which tends to be lonely and trying to find the energy to promote my work, make the work, and make money. At the end of the day, I am still able to say I get to do what I love and do it for a living.

Contact Info:

• Website: alechooglandceramics.com
• Instagram: @alechooglandceramics

Image Credits
Morgan Hoogland Photography