Established in 1870, Blundstone was born out of a need for footwear that can handle the harsh landscape of Tasmania. That impetus remains today: Blundstone boots are designed to be lived and worked in and emphasize durability and comfort. We caught up with ceramicist Daniel Dooreck – a Blundstone fan – to see where his boots take him.
Daniel Dooreck, Danny D’s Mud Shop,
Gear Patrol StudiosDaniel Dooreck is a California native who recently returned to Los Angeles after almost a decade in Canada. Dooreck started his pottery company, Danny’s Mud Shop, six months ago after a long career in the restaurant industry. From his garage in Echo Park, he produces hand-thrown, painted pottery influenced by artists and people in his community. While he likes to experiment with playful designs, Dooreck’s first concern is making vessels that are beautiful, technically sound and well thrown.
Q: How did you first get into pottery?
Daniel Dooreck: I used to work in restaurants for a long time, and as a way to relax I took on pottery about 4-5 years ago. I joined a studio, and at the time it was really expensive for me. Ultimately, it was the most rewarding and valuable thing I had under my belt. Nothing compared. I would do pottery easily 3-4 times a week and spend 20-30 hours a week on top of my full-time job. I would make the most hideous bowls and vases. They are scattered around Toronto with my friends now – all Danny D originals. Once I moved to LA, after a few hurdles I made the full-time leap into ceramics and never found a reason to look back. September 19th, 2022 is my six-month mark for Danny D’s Mud Shop, and I’m really proud and humbled by the growth I’ve had.
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Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol StudiosQ: Of all the ceramics you’ve made, do you have a favorite?
DD: There’s this one vase I threw a few months ago, It’s about 15 inches tall, from about eight pounds of clay. I designed it to have four sides containing different work from different people; of note, Zach Pruitt, a tattoo artist from LA; Stella from Long Beach; and Jonathan Swift from Colchester in the UK. I did a really long band of skulls throughout the whole piece to link them all, and finally glazed the entire piece in a ‘vanilla bean.’ The final product turned out really cool. It has a sort of rustic bone texture and look. It’s easily the most intricate and complex piece I have done and the largest and subsequently most expensive as well. It’s on my Instagram, and website for sale.
Q: What inspires you in your work?
DD: I take inspiration from so many places. Most recently I’ve been enjoying connecting with tattoo artists via the Internet. Lots of my work is representations from amazing flash designers, and then I add a little touch from me. Otherwise, some things I see around LA as well – motorcycle culture, car culture.
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Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol StudiosQ: What qualities are most important in gear and apparel you like?
DD: Durability, affordability, and simple workwear style. Something I can absolutely total with clay and not be upset about. What I look for is durability and an ability to withstand tons of wear and tear.
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Gear Patrol StudiosQ: What’s your impression of Blundstone? How did you first come across the brand?
DD: I lived in Vancouver for a few years and noticed them initially there. A lot of my woodworker friends and the outdoors community I’m a part of here in Los Angeles also swear by them. They’re truthfully one of the most comfortable shoes out of the box and such an unpretentious part of the wardrobe – which makes it so easy to wear. Also easy to clean clay off of.
Q: How did the boots handle your workdays?
DD: I’ve been wearing slip-ons for ease in the studio for years, but truthfully the Blundstones are so comfortable and durable, I was really surprised. Also great for driving the manual truck.
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Gear Patrol Studios
