The Conceptual Artist Robert Chamberlin
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF INSPIRED?
I keep inspired by keeping my eyes open and being a really active participant in the world. Making sure I go do things in Boston.There’s tons of lectures and so many great opportunities to hear about new worlds or go see a panel. I make sure I do my own reading and I am intellectually seeking out new things, so that my knowledge is not this stagnant, finished thing. I also think going to see art is really important for me, seeing what other people are doing ,what other conversations others are having, and what are the big institutions talking about. I also think one of the most important thing is having an intellectual community that you can come back to.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR A STUDIO RIGHT NOW? Photographically I work out of my room. I have my own printer and computer and scanner. I terms of clay, I am really lucky, I am an independent artist in the Harvard Ceramics program, which is something that both caters to Harvard students directly and is also kind of a community art center. I have my own cubical, which is pretty awesome.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR STUDIO?
I think my favorite thing about the studio and being part of Harvard is the amount of talks they bring in and the teachers that they have coming through the studio. The access to the people coming through is really amazing. There are lots of people to pull from and and lots of other people making in various ways.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO BECOME A POTTER LIKE YOU?
I think I would say to them, work really, really hard. I don’t think anyone becomes successful without working really hard. Put in the work and make time for what you are passionate about. When I was an undergrad I would try and get to the darkroom as early as possible to get the best enlarger and make two good prints before the class got there. You have to have that crazy fire that makes you do bizarre things like glaze until four in the morning or what ever it is. Also, seek out people who can make your life easier and can help you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
