[2] Though born in the Midwest, Gustin grew up in Los Angeles, where his parents managed and co-owned several commercial ceramic factories.
[5] After that initial semester, Gustin quit school to continue working in one of his parents' factories, Wildwood Ceramics.
[3] Two years later, he earned his Masters of Fine Arts from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
[7] In 1986, he partnered with artists Margaret Griggs, George Mason, and Lynn Duryea to restore an old brick factory in Newcastle, ME.
[8] They collaborated with the architect Michele Foster, and Gustin produced every piece of tile that was used in building the home.