Dealing with the inner critique/ a conversation on The potters Cast with Antoinette

It was one of the highlights of my pottery career when Paul Blais interviewed me on The Potters Cast.
Paul is an exceptional interviewer. He listens, he gets a feeling of who his guest is and lead them to say what they have to say.
Whether you are busy in your studio, driving down the highway or cooking a meal; this is your chance to relax with Paul and me while we talk about my career and how my family came to the USA.

​The story begins with my heritage, how I came to the United States, and why I chose ceramics as an art form.
I like to talk about the diva of clay (porcelain) that keeps me humble and why one should understand the clay medium to push it to the limits.

Paul Blais interviewed Antoinette Badenhorst on the podcast The Potters Cast in Episode 672, “Dealing with the Inner Critic,” released in October 2020. The episode focused on the balance between artistic confidence and self-critique, especially in the development of ceramic artists and potters. 
During the interview, Antoinette discussed her journey from Southern Africa to the United States, where she received permanent residency based on her “extraordinary ability in the field of ceramics.” She shared how she taught ceramics in Africa, later continued mentoring artists in the U.S., and built a career centered around porcelain, education, and artistic discipline. 
A major theme of the conversation was the importance of honest self-evaluation in art. Antoinette explained that artists should develop a balanced “inner critic” — one that encourages growth without destroying confidence. She emphasized patience, refinement, and learning the “language of art” before presenting work publicly. 
The interview also explored:

• Working with translucent porcelain and why she calls porcelain “the Diva of clay”
• Artistic authenticity and avoiding trends
• The emotional connection between maker and object
• Teaching philosophy and constructive critique
• Finding an authentic artistic voice 

​The episode became especially meaningful to many ceramic artists because of its candid discussion about vulnerability, standards, craftsmanship, and the emotional challenges artists face while developing their work.