All Of It: Jonathan Adler's Ceramic Art at the Museum of Art and Design
Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: Jonathan Adler's Ceramic Art At The Museum of Arts and Design
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Introduction to Jonathan Adler and His Exhibit
In this engaging episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart interviews renowned ceramicist and interior designer Jonathan Adler about his latest exhibition, The Mad, Mad World of Jonathan Adler, hosted at the Museum of Art and Design (MAD). Adler provides listeners with an insightful journey through his creative process, his inspirations, and the significance of the exhibit.
[00:30] Jonathan Adler: "When you enter the exhibit...you get a sense of the whimsy and wit that you will find in the exhibition."
The Genesis of Adler's Passion for Pottery
Adler reminisces about his early encounters with pottery, highlighting its profound impact on his life. Despite not being spiritually inclined, he describes clay as his "love" and central to his creative expression.
[02:29] Jonathan Adler: "When I touched clay, it was just... my side piece, my everything for the last many, many years."
He credits his supportive parents, particularly his artistically talented father, for nurturing his creative inclinations without imposing rigid expectations.
[03:11] Jonathan Adler: "My dad was a lawyer, but a brilliantly talented artist who spent all his spare time making art."
Educational Experiences and Overcoming Criticism
Adler shares his experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he faced harsh criticism from a professor who doubted his talent. This pivotal moment fueled his determination to carve his unique path in the art world.
[06:04] Jonathan Adler: "I have a RISD professor who... she told me I want to go to grad school... you don't really have any talent."
He reflects on how his non-conformist approach to pottery—infusing elements like Chanel handbags and rap music—set him apart in a traditionally "macho" ceramic landscape.
[07:00] Jonathan Adler: "Pottery was actually like a very macho thing in post-war America... my work was actually not so macho."
Design Philosophy and Creative Process
Adler delves into his design philosophy, emphasizing the balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability. He outlines his five-step process: maquette, prototype, firing, sampling, and ordering, ensuring each piece meets his high standards.
[12:10] Jonathan Adler: "My motto is, if your heirs won't fight over it, we won't make it. It's a very simple rule."
This approach reflects his commitment to creating objects that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hold lasting value for future generations.
Exploring the Exhibit's Thematic Categories
The Mad, Mad World of Jonathan Adler is meticulously organized into thematic categories that showcase both his work and the pieces that have inspired him:
- Authentica: An homage to modernist artists who pursued beauty and material purity.
- Optimistica: Celebrates the joy of creativity with whimsical designs featuring circus performers.
- Metallica: Showcases his admiration for metalwork artists like John Prip, highlighting the durability and fragility achievable through metals.
- Erotica, Amirakalia, Funkiana: Represent his postmodern sensibilities, exploring themes from the human body to American identity and the irreverent spirit of funk ceramics.
[16:44] Jonathan Adler: "Optimistica is really kind of about the joy of creativity and a sincere, childlike love for creativity."
Influences and Inspirations
Adler pays tribute to influential artists such as Howard Kotler and John Prip. He describes Kotler as an underappreciated ceramic artist whose diverse and subversive work greatly impacted his own creations.
[24:40] Jonathan Adler: "Howard Kotler... is just one of my forever muses."
In discussing John Prip, Adler appreciates the perfect balance and inevitable feel of Prip's metal teapots, which inspire him to create objects that seem naturally integrated into the world.
[21:31] Jonathan Adler: "John Prip's metal teapot... feels like it was meant to be."
Balancing Artistry and Branding
The conversation shifts to the challenges of maintaining artistic authenticity while managing a successful brand. Adler humorously acknowledges his transformation into a brand, a concept foreign to his early artistic endeavors.
[26:37] Jonathan Adler: "I became a brand. Weird. Never saw that coming."
Despite this shift, he remains committed to his foundational love for pottery, expressing a desire to continue creating clay works.
[27:45] Jonathan Adler: "I'm still a potter first and foremost... I love to make stuff in clay. So that's what I want to do next. Make more pots."
Conclusion: Reflecting on a Creative Journey
Adler concludes the interview by reflecting on his 30-year career, recognizing the profound influence of his early inspirations and the continuous evolution of his creative sensibility. His exhibit serves as both a retrospective and a celebration of the dynamic interplay between his work and the artistic movements that shaped him.
[16:44] Jonathan Adler: "I've just been in it. I don't really have time to reflect. And doing this show was quite a profound experience."
Adler’s Mad, Mad World at MAD encapsulates his vibrant journey as an artist and designer, offering audiences a glimpse into the whimsical and thoughtful world he continues to build.
Listen to the full episode of All Of It on WNYC to immerse yourself in Jonathan Adler's creative universe and gain deeper insights into his artistic endeavors.