Ethan Streicher is a Brooklyn-based artist working in design, sculpture, and functional handmade objects. He attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. After a decade of working in the design industry, he’s pivoted to a more artistic path. Working under the name Streicher Goods, he divides his creative endeavors between technology and unique, handmade clay works. Learn more about Ethan and his ceramics in today’s Maker Monday.
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
Ethan Streicher: Back in May, 2023, I finished my first collection called “Seeing Red: An Exploration of Ceramic Lighting”. This release of 9 one-off lamps marked my transition from being a graphic designer to becoming a full-time ceramicist. It used all facets of my skillsets—design thinking regarding proportions and silhouettes for the collection, my branding skills to art direct photo and video shoots capturing the essence of the pieces for those unable to see them in person, and the pieces themselves, which embraced the imperfection of hand-made ceramics blended with perfect, machine-made digital processes.
This triple-tiered sandstone lamp with blown glass is called “Sandstone 13”.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
ES: I think it’s important not to push myself to always be creative or always inspired—it’s led me to feel burnt out or “not enough.” I enjoy taking a break and letting my mind be at ease when I feel I am not inspired; I believe it’s those breaks that lead to clarity and give me the best ideas when I finally sit down to sketch, versus trying to force an idea into conception.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
ES: The last book I read is called “Don’t Worry” by a Buddhist monk, Shunmyo Masuno. I have anxiety and a tendency to be self-deprecating, so this book caught my attention. While it did not give me all the answers (of course it can’t), it inspired me to be more present, and appreciate the work I am doing, instead of fixating on all the things I’m not doing.
My biggest takeaway was about time. I’ve felt that I am constantly ‘fighting the clock’ or saying ‘there isn’t enough time in the day’, so this book helped me to be a little more orderly and realistic about what is accomplishable during my conscious hours. However, during my unconscious hours… the world is my oyster.
Tequila Tequila! 8.5” Decanter is a decorative piece made of white stoneware with hand-painted lettering and chartreuse wash.
AJ: How do you approach designing for different demographics?
ES: I think it is good to have variety, not only in design but in price. Not everyone can afford a one-off lamp, but maybe they can afford a smaller piece, whether that’s a cup, a tray, a clock, etc. Having that hierarchy within the things I create allows it to be shared with more people, and in turn, have them be a part of my world no matter their budget. It’s a similar mentality to original paintings vs prints of that painting—it allows it to be experienced or owned by a wider audience.
AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
ES: At the moment, I love making lighting. The main thing that drew me to it is the capability of your artwork to not only be experienced as a sculpture, but how the lamps can affect and alter an environment. I enjoy the fact that someone interacts with my pieces on a daily basis and that the lamp may signal a time to relax and get cozy after a hectic day.
The second reason I’m currently obsessed with lighting is that the options are endless for the types of designs you can make, both in function and in form.
The “Cotton Candy Light” is a white stoneware lamp with pink & blue/green checker pattern and clear crackle glaze.
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
ES: Well, mine of course. 😉
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