Interview with Dustin Barzell of Ceramicisim

Originally Published : March 16, 2016

Dustin Barzell of Ceramicisim / Brooklyn, NY

Dustin is a talented ceramic artist who creates functional cups, plates, vases, and pottery. I'm personally obsessed with the ice cream series, as I love its play on color and texture.

Where do you think everyone should visit once in their life?

A visit to the burning ghats in Varanasi, where Indians make long pilgrimages to carry and cremate their deceased loved ones and spread the ashes in the Ganges. We tend to hide death in the west and do what we can to pretend it doesn't exist, but death is precisely what makes life so precious and worth savoring.Either that or Disney World!

What's currently at the top of your travel bucket list?

Japanese countryside. I especially want to visit some ceramic centers and see the Japanese pottery masters at work.

Best “hole in the wall____” you’ve discovered? (it can be bar, restaurant, store, club etc…)

Lorimer Market in Williamsburg. It's the best Italian deli there is and it's near my studio! Get yourself a chicken meatloaf.

Favorite comfort food, is it homemade or at a certain place?

Cheese fondue. Classic Gruyere/Kirsh or tangy Gouda/Stout.

Do you have an awesome book or documentary recommendation to share?

"Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Kabat-Zinn. Wonderful intro to vipassana (mindfulness meditation).

Pass on the love and give a fab shout-out to someone we should know about?

Cody Lane (@codymlane). Normcore photography that satisfies.