Community Spotlight: Bean Pecorari
How did you arrive at the Brookline Arts Center? What sparks your interest in our organization?
I’ve always loved teaching and when my friend Moon Rodríguez told me BAC was on the lookout for a new ceramics instructor, I knew I had to check it out!
Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in ceramics?
My first experience with clay was in high school, and at the time it definitely wasn’t my favorite medium. I was frustrated with it because nothing I made looked perfect like the stuff you could buy in stores. When I got to college, and I had my first class with Ben Ryterband, he taught me the beauty in all of the imperfections. In my work I strive to walk the line between imperfect and polished, learning where to let the clay speak for itself and when to give it a gentle nudge in the direction I would like it to go. Making ceramics is fun because it won’t look like the things you can buy in the store, and the imperfections make the art unique to you.
What passions do you bring to the BAC community?
Above everything, I am passionate about having fun. I think working at BAC is a huge opportunity to engage with the community, and to expand my vocabulary of silliness to whoever I can. In my free time my favorite things to do are to hang out with my friends, play outside, make up words, and to cook. All of my best ideas for making come out of these moments, and I really want to foster an environment where people can get crazy ideas and then we can work on them to make them reality.
What has brought you the most joy in your profession?
For me the best thing about clay is the limitless possibilities. The material is capable of almost anything, and in my opinion is one of the best intersections for all types of art. Ceramics is one of those artforms where the reward of making is almost instantaneous. Every mark made in clay is evidence of the person who created the object.
What was your favorite childhood art project?
This is tough because I attended and worked at summer camps for ten years, so games and art projects were kind of always happening. At the camp I used to work at, we had a big candle making setup with a huge double boiler in the corner for all the different wax colors. This was probably one of my favorites as a kid.
What artists or kinds of art are you into right now?
Lately I have been very into art that can make me laugh or feel joy. I like art with a lot of saturated colors, and tons of texture. I think silly art is some of the smartest art out there.
What are three things that you would want the BAC community to know about you?
My favorite Kermit the Frog song has got to be Rainbow Connections.
I know how to ride a bike!
I’m really excited to start teaching ceramics at BAC
