Inspiration of the Month: Theaster Gates

My great friend Theaster Gates continues to amaze me with his creativity, determination, and ability to see opportunities that others might overlook!

I first met Theaster around 2010, during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I had experienced personal loss in my family, Clayco was struggling through the Great Recession, and I was beginning a new chapter in Chicago.

I remember visiting Theaster’s warehouse on the West Side and seeing some of his extraordinary work. There were hoses running throughout the space, and on the floor was this beautiful piece of art made from sections of wood flooring assembled together. I think we were actually walking on it!

I was fascinated by what he was creating and fortunate enough to begin collecting his work. In fact, Theaster’s art helped launch The Clark Collection. I still live with his pieces in my homes and offices and enjoy seeing them almost every day.

Fast forward to 2025. I was walking through Art Basel Miami when I spotted a similar piece of Theaster’s wood flooring work hanging on a gallery wall. I asked if it was available, and the gallery told me it had already sold for an eye-popping sum.

What an incredible moment! I couldn’t help thinking about that warehouse visit 15 years earlier and how far Theaster had come.

And now he’s taking on another extraordinary challenge.

I was excited to read NPR's recent story about Theaster acquiring Pickard China, the last remaining high-end china manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1893, the company has produced fine porcelain for the White House, U.S. embassies, hotels, and other distinguished customers.

The factory in Antioch, Illinois, has faced significant challenges as the American fine china industry has declined. Its equipment and facilities need investment, but the skilled craftspeople who have kept the business going represent an incredible tradition of American manufacturing.

Where others might see a struggling business, Theaster sees an opportunity to preserve that craftsmanship and bring new creativity and energy to a historic American company.

I love that!

Theaster is an extraordinary ceramicist himself, and now he’s exploring how porcelain can become part of his artistic practice while helping write a new chapter for Pickard China.

It reminds me of the remarkable work he’s done on Chicago’s South Side, transforming neglected buildings, preserving important pieces of cultural history, and creating new opportunities for communities.

Theaster and I have both come a long way since 2010. We’ve experienced tremendous challenges, worked hard, and remained committed to building things that matter.

I’ve always admired his grit, imagination, and willingness to take on ambitious ideas. He doesn’t just see what something is today. He sees what it could become.

That’s a quality I admire in artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone willing to take a chance on something they believe in.

I’m grateful for Theaster’s friendship and incredibly excited to see what he does with Pickard China.

Congratulations, Theaster! You’re my Inspiration of the Month!