Ricky Blanding is a Detroit-based ceramic artist and owner of Ricky Blanding Ceramics, a small-batch pottery studio that produces architectural tile and seasonal collections, hosts educational workshops, and runs a ceramics apprenticeship. Blanding received a Gold Key Scholastic Award in high school, enabling him to study at the Kansas City Art Institute. After his foundations year, he dropped out and returned to Michigan where he is currently pursuing a degree in psychiatry. Blanding has worked as a fabrication artist at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit where he produced architectural tiles and handmade pottery. In addition, he worked alongside administration staff to change policies and improve company culture.

 

Growing up, Blanding and his family endured years of homelessness. The hardships he faced early on solidified his resolve to remain dedicated to his artistic practice while building community connections. As a queer Black man, Blanding recognizes the importance of his political identity and is committed to being a voice for change while leading with sensitivity for himself and others. In addition to his ceramic practice, Blanding owns and operates Scrap Soils, a nonprofit that collects and composts residential and commercial food waste. “After all the hardships and challenges,” he says, “I now have the space and time to prioritize my creative identity and practice. Though I’ve had many achievements, my work is just getting started.”