Meet Ehren Tool | Maker of cups.

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

Hi Ehren, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have struggled with finding a definition of success. While I was in the Marines everything was structured. The civilian world is not so structured. After serving in the ’91 Gulf War I wanted to do something meaningful for with the rest of my life. Art felt like something meaningful, something above crass commercial garbage. It turns out every aspect of life in this country is driven by money. I’m not sure everyone would agree that I am successful. I have made and given away more than 25,000 cps since 2001. Some of the cups have been adopted into families lives. As a maker it is a real joy when my work finds a home. The cups are just cups unless the are in the hands of someone who they resonate with. I have tried to make work that is meaningful. I asked an older artist what he thought success was and he responded immediately and confidently “Success is when your work resonates with the people”. I try hard to make work with heart. Not everyone gets my work but I have never had a show that didn’t have a deep conversation and share a tear or two with someone. I work as if I have a show coming up, even when there is nothing on the calendar. I guess time will tell. I just keep going. “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
In my day job I am the “Senior Laboratory Mechinician” on the Department of Art Practice at UC Berkeley. I help students and faculty in the ceramics studio. I enjoy helping folks figure out how to make things come through the kilns successfully. I want folks to be able to make the work they want. I think the majority of teachers teach students to make the same kind of work the teacher makes. I think it is more useful to try and figure out how to get the students to make the work they want to make. I personally do not enjoy passing judgement on other folks work. Sometimes the fastest way to students making new and interesting work is to let them copy other artists or make the random thing they want in their kitchen. Once they have got that out of their system then they an create more original work. It can be a challenge to make original work in a material with such a long history.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a homebody. When artist friends come to town we usually get beverages and take out and then hang out at the house/studio. We’ll eat, drink and then go to the studio and make work together. It is a great joy of mine to work in the studio with other folks who are excited about working. I have been lucky to work with some great folks. I learn as much as I teach. I’m happy to share any information I have with anyone who is interested. Often I learn more while trying to explain my process to folks. I’m not a fan of crowds and lines.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
I think the ceramic/art community really saved my life. Through ceramics I was able to find a way back from the military. I have been able to travel and meet folks through ceramics I never would have met any other way. I am so grateful to my teachers, younger and older. I realize how lucky I am to have the opportunity to do what I do. I hope that other folks with a creative desire will find a way to make their work. I think we all have something to share.

Instagram: ehrentool

Facebook: ehrentool

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Gpr7mjCnE&ab_channel=CraftinAmerica

Image Credits
My portrait is by Argil Tool. All of the rest of the images are mine.