Meet Alex Macias | Potter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Macias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
As a potter, doing work that meets a specific “target” is part of my practice in the studio. When I sit behind my wheel, I have a plan for each piece I am making. This plan includes details of the shape and proportions, how I intend to fire the form, and the glaze I will use. Although I have this plan theorized, it doesn’t always mean I nail it in the real world. Continuing to pursue the initial goal helps me hit a precise outcome, and helps hone my skill. Whether it takes 1 attempt or 20, I practice each form until I have the desired result. It can be discouraging to make multiples of the same thing and not get the result I am reaching for, however, I know that even if I don’t achieve my ideal, I am one step closer, and I have the muscle memory from my wheel time. I strive to keep pushing and do not give up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create functional ceramics that are meant to be used in day-to-day life. I want my pieces to be both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. Right now I working on fine-tuning the balance between what’s functional, and what looks good. Often times pottery is looked at in a utilitarian manner, and I’m trying to push against that view. A self-owned business was not my original career path. I was studying Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to pursue my dream of going on the Orion Mission to Mars. While in school, I developed a cardiac condition that prohibited me from becoming an astronaut. I felt lost and as though I wasted years pursuing this dream. I began practicing my high school hobby of throwing pottery. I spent hours behind my wheel contemplating my next steps. Those hours started to pay off and I fell more in love with pottery, realizing I was meant to be a potter, not an engineer. With this new determination, I began selling my works at local markets, art shows, and through my social media platforms. Today, I am living part-time in McKinney Texas, and part-time in Kansas, pursuing an apprenticeship at Spinning Earth Pottery to better my ceramic skills.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had to show someone the best time ever in my town, I would take them to my favorite spots in the city that revolve around food and art! I would start our day off with a morning coffee at Wattage Coffee Company in Downtown McKinney, from there we could walk a couple of blocks to the Saturday McKinney Farmer’s Market to check out local small businesses and farm goods. While we were in the area, I would definitely show them LAST Art Gallery, a Co-op Gallery filled with local artists’ work, including my pots! We would end our night with delightful cocktails and a curated dinner from Rye.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor, Danny Meisinger has played a significant role in the way I am running my small ceramics business and working with clay. He has pushed me to take the time to enjoy the work I am creating and really emphasizes the importance of time in both experience and investment in each piece. I am thankful for his endless knowledge, patience, and skill.

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