Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Goodall
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I took a ceramics class on a whim in college. My professor opened the door to the whole world of clay for me and I fell in love with the process and magic of the kiln. I ended up getting my MFA and then found work at a few different clay studios doing tech work. I remember mopping the floor late one night and thinking of how proud I was to make the whole studio run and thinking to myself, “I love this.” When I made the move to Austin from New York the plan was to open a studio of my own. I made a first attempt and failed badly, but I learned a lot and laid the ground work for where I am today. My biggest change I made this time, was leaning into what’s fun and playful about clay along with bigger artistic conversations. Being a parent really opened my eyes to trying again. My daughter thinks anything is possible, because in a way it is, if you look at it right.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been nothing but struggles! There have been a lot of external events, pressures and circumstances, that have really hurt me, but the biggest struggle I’ve had is with myself. I’ve battled with mental health and medical issues most lot of my adult life. I’ve spent a small fortune on therapy, but the one thing that really saved me was becoming a parent. That was the switch that stayed on for me. Only recently have I been able to change my perspective of feeling like I’m struggling, to viewing it more as an aspect of grit and determination. You can struggle toward something and gain ground and be proud of growth, no matter the scale.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m interested in the practice of decoration and adornment. To me, decorating something that someone will use is showing reverence and love for the world around me. My work is very detailed and meditative and the process can become the content of the work. It’s a way to be free in my mind and have my hands busy. I think that mental flow state informs the way people interact with my work too and that’s the magic of artistic communication.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Creative problem solving is not just a skill, it’s a lifestyle. Learning to gain new perspectives on failure has been vital to me. Nothing in my journey would have been possible without resilience. After getting knocked down time after time, finding that little flame inside my chest that says, “just keep going” has saved me every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austinclayarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinclayarts
Image Credits
Leeann Funk Photo
