In 2014 I formed a new organization with the singular intent of giving myself permission to make functional tableware. The International Cup Makers Union (ICMU) is a collaborative effort that places all potential production under one roof. The goal of the ICMU is to make high-quality, inexpensive cups, bowls, mugs, and plates for normal people to enjoy and utilize on a daily basis. 

The ICMU does everything in the organization’s power to work with other entities to help everyone involved grow and promote ceramics. We do this by partnering with residencies and art spaces to make new work for those institutions that they can utilize to self-promote and fundraise. We also enthusiastically teach throwing classes and assist in studio culture however we can. 

One of our basic objectives is to find ways of making that keep costs and material burdens/toxicity as low as possible. We try to avoid using and buying, new materials. This also keeps our prices in the range of “functional material goods” instead of ART. We adhere to the Bread and Puppet manifesto about cheap art! We believe that artists are not required to professionalize and are free to operate in economies of their own design. 

Fundamentally we feel that art-making is inherently about the connection that occurs through conversation and shared practice. We believe that facilitating for others should naturally be part of one’s artistic practice.