COLLABORATIONS
Love Ryan, Ceramics | McMullin Journal
From the early days refining his craft in Venice Beach, California, to building his seaside studio overlooking Mackenzie's Bay in Sydney, Ryan Der of Love Ryan Ceramics has embarked on a journey that reflects his deep-rooted passion and artistry. His work is a true reflection of the coastal landscapes that surround him—grounded in nature, organic in form, and timeless in design. Balancing commission-based projects with teaching and community involvement, his practice is as much about human connection as it is about craftsmanship. We sit down with Ryan to explore his inspirations, process, and the story that has shaped Love Ryan Ceramics.
Can you tell us more about how your journey in ceramics began? What initially drew you to pottery as an art form?
I got my start in pottery in California as a way to get off my phone, slow down, and be present where I was. I was trying to balance my day job at a start up while still holding on to my night life antics (what can I say, I was in hospo for 20 years!). Needless to say, it was too much. After a recommendation from a friend, I went to a studio in Venice Beach called Temple of Mediclaytion, and watched the founder, Patrick Johnston, throw a set of dishes for a local restaurant. I was completely mesmerised, and found myself there most nights after work watching him work, until I finally took a class myself. After that class I was hooked, and I’ve never looked back.
Moving to Sydney and establishing your studio above Mackenzie’s Bay—how has this coastal environment influenced your creative process and the pieces you produce?
There is something so special about coastal living and being by the sea. You can honestly feel the power of nature as it touches land after travelling across the ocean. The energy spills up over the cliffs and right into my studio, it’s amazing. We gain a lot of power and awareness by reconnecting with nature.
“There is something so special about coastal living and being by the sea. You can honestly feel the power of nature as it touches land after travelling across the ocean. The energy spills up over the cliffs and right into my studio.”
What aspects of your surroundings inspire you the most when creating new work?
The sun and a light westerly 🤌🏽 When the conditions are right, I can throw AND trim my pottery pieces in the same day… that’s almost unheard of!
How do you balance the delicate nature of pottery with the functional aspect of the craft?
It can be hard to balance but when they’re made well, they last longer - sometimes forever. I take time to set my intentions and pour my best into every piece I throw so that they serve their purpose for a long time to come!
Can you share some of your favourite materials or techniques, and how they contribute to the visual language of your pieces?
I really like having a bit of grog in my clay, giving it a full and earthy feel. I find the texture super grounding. And a reminder of where it came from.
Can you walk us through your creative process—from conceptualising an idea to bringing it to life? Does it follow a structured approach, or does it evolve organically?
I do a lot of pondering and day dreaming, then manifest my ideas into reality. When I stop thinking, I roll up my sleeves and start doing, then again and again! You never get it the first time but you gotta keep going.
You also dedicate time to teaching pottery classes. What has been the most fulfilling aspect of sharing your skills with others?
The community that has grown here, creating a fun, safe environment for people to try something new, to be vulnerable, to fail, and then rise. To eventually triumph. And then help and support the next person just starting out. Watching all the connections blossom into friendships and relationships is so fulfilling. People helping people. That’s why we are all here right?
Are there any lessons or philosophies you hope to pass on to your students?
Be kind to yourself, nothing in this crazy world we live in is perfect so don’t hold yourself to that standard. Find the beauty of what is not what you want it to be.
Looking back at your journey from California to Sydney, how has your practice and artistic voice evolved over time?
Slow and steady. I feel like after 10 years in this practice I’m just finding my stride.
What’s next for Love Ryan Ceramics? Are there any exciting projects or new directions you’re looking forward to exploring?
Going north. I’m really excited to get up to Darwin and do some work in the communities there. It’s been a long time coming, I can’t wait to witness the magic of being in the country, to teach and also listen, learn from the world's oldest living culture.
