About Owner/Artist Derek Redding

I took my first pottery class in High school. In western Colorado, a high concentration of ceramic artists in the area flowed into the high school curriculum. We had a wonderful experience with a passionate artist directing the program. There we learned about many types of firings, a variety of clay, and a litany of glazes. It was a remarkable program. I am a ceramicist today because of the love and care poured into that high school studio in Montrose, Co. After spending some time in college, I left and worked in the trades for nearly 15 years. Priceless experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. During that time, clay had taken a back seat in my life. On December 1st, 2016, I opened Flux and have never looked back. The outpouring of support and interest in what we were doing here was overwhelming. I am grateful so many people share the same passion for clay as I do. The love and support of our clay community here in Denver have been amazing, and I would have never imagined our success over the past few years.

I find it difficult to describe what being a ceramic artist means to me. I am passionate about clay for the same reasons many others are. Throwing pots is the one place in my daily routine where the challenge is to slow down and give my undivided attention to one task and only one job. A little too much here, too much shift this way, racing thoughts, and the clay has a way of telling you, hey, relax, enjoy what you are doing now. When everything comes together, I have molded the clay into an object of desire, aesthetically pleasing, or just plain lovely. It’s worth all the times when I have failed.

Here in the studio, our primary focus is the wheel-throwing classes. We also offer private lessons, special events, and sculpture classes. Most of our students are new to clay, having never touched it before. We have the privilege of sharing with them, for the first time, the world of ceramics. To give them their first glimpse into what it means to create and express themselves through the ceramic process is always a rewarding experience. I see a younger version of myself in everyone throwing for the first time or just starting to grasp how to control the clay. It is truly remarkable to see those light bulbs flicker. When someone finally, after countless attempts, can pull the wall tall and stretch the clay thin. When they can center the clay on command and place it where it needs to be is truly a cherished moment. I love to share my experiences with people. To help guide them to a better, more understanding way of approaching the clay.

The focus of my work has shifted away from traditional dinnerware and functional pieces. I have been working on larger-scale pieces—or as large as the kiln will allow. I still love making mugs, but I enjoy the challenge, and the reward of having larger pieces make it through the process. These are multi-sectional pieces, usually with texture is a high-risk, high-reward challenge. They can be large amphoras, planters, or vases. The pots created on the wheel are fired at various temperatures, sometimes without adding glazes or colorants. I like the natural stone fired bare to a rich stone finish, which is trendy now. The challenge of throwing larger work is never-ending. Even when making these pots goes right, there is always a loss or two when firing them off.