Written by Joshua Thomas Schroeder
I grew up in a small town called Fall River in southern Wisconsin, and my love for ceramics began completely by chance.
When scheduling classes my first year of high school, I somehow managed to have two free periods per day which was not allowed and there were no classes offered on either hours of the day. The school counselor suggested I ask the teachers if there were any independent studies available in either of those hours, which didn’t leave me many options. I was fortunate to have a great art teacher, Michael Kratochwill, who was able to offer me an independent study in ceramics third hour despite having to teach an elementary class at the same time.
What started out as my last resort quickly became by favorite class throughout my entire time in high school and I’ve been in love with ceramics ever since. One of my fondest memories was seeing one of my pieces on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum for the Scholastic Art Awards. I had previously won a few Gold and Silver Keys for past work but in 2010 I was awarded a best in show for ceramics. My dad’s pride in seeing me receive the American Visions award for my work is something I’ll hold with me forever, and my family’s encouragement of my work is another reason I’m still throwing today.
After high school, I started my undergrad at UW Madison. While I graduated with a
B.S. in Economics, I spent as much time possible taking art related courses, primarily taught by the artist Gerit Grimm. I also worked in the west wing of Memorial Union (pre-renovation) where I worked in the craft shop. This was an ideal first job as it allowed me to throw clay in my downtime and get paid while doing it.
My largest lull in spending time with working with clay came after I graduated. I
took a job working at a bank, and always told myself I had to put ceramics on the back burner and wait until I had the money to start a giant studio before I’d let myself work with clay again.
I nearly made it two years before my loving wife Kassandra, seeing how much I missed working with clay, contacted my most recent teacher, Mitch Sigmund. Mitch has been kind enough to teach me what it takes to be a full time ceramic artist and has shown me
first hand the hard work and dedication it takes to run your own studio.
Now, twelve years from the beginning of my journey with ceramics, I’m proud to finally be realizing my dream of opening my own studio. I’ve loved clay from the start. There’s something about throwing clay on a wheel that calms my anxiety and relaxes something deep within my soul. I love the smell and the feel of clay on my hands. There is something immensely satisfying in bringing something beautiful to life with your own bare hands to use as tools. I love the symmetry that the wheel brings to my work. I like the idea of my pieces being around long after I’ve passed.
Iron Hill Studios is a dream come true in many ways, and I’m is so excited to be able to once again share my art with all of those family and friends who have always encouraged me to pursue my passions.
Today, Joshua resides in Ixonia, WI with his wife, Kassandra, and their ridiculous dog, Indiana, who always manages to get a smudge of clay on his nose.
Iron Hill Studios 