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

Hi Rick, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
My mantra is KEEP IT SIMPLE ! Don’t spend money that you don’t have. If you continually want stuff and spend money on things that you don’t need you will always be in debt. and your body and mind will suffer because of it. The fallacy of using credit cards on expensive things to build your credit limit is the saddest trap Americans have ever gotten into. Literally millions of people have gotten into a situation that they can never recover from.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a decent potter for fifty four years, but my real calling is being a teacher. I have taught kinder garden, middle school, upper school, college undergraduates, college graduates, senior citizens, and all ages of adults in the U.S., Italy, Tanzania, and India. I am forever grateful for being given this responsibility for so many years. I’ve made many mistakes, but hopefully I’ve done some good too.

Where I have gotten professionally is due to my unquenchable curiosity about my particular field, and so many other things that I find interesting. I am obsessed with learning new stuff.

My story has always been about keeping it simple in this world of confusion and chaos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would always take friends to visit museums (The Carlos at Emory and the High Museum) and galleries to see what’s going on with the arts in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am forever thankful to both of my parents for giving me the freedom to go in whatever direction I needed too at a particular time of my youth. One hundred percent support in everything I’ve ever done. I can’t imagine that any parents have ever loved someone as much as they loved and supported me.

Website: rickbermanceramics.com

Facebook: rick berman

Youtube: rick berman on centering, on trimming bowls, raku, and more.

Other: Two published books: TEAPOTS. AND RICK BERMAN CLAYWORKER

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.