Visions In Clay 2023
William R. Heiderich (Bill)
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics and my Master of Fine Arts in Plastic Arts from San Jose State University. I have retired after teaching in the community college system since 1976. I was fortunate to teach at several community colleges in the Bay Area, including Fresno City College, West Valley College, Cabrillo, Monterey Peninsula College, and Ohlone College. I have participated in various exhibitions over the years and continue to work in my studio and create works of art in several mediums including ceramics, wood, and bronze work. I continue to enjoy creating objects and participating in exhibitions in my retirement years. I have art work in local, national, and international collections.
Making objects with my hands gives me immense pleasure. I have always been fascinated by fabrication, building and construction, as well as a broad range of materials, and techniques.
For my work, craft is a part of the art, the process is included in the final forms. From the seed of an idea, to determining composition, color, balance, texture, and finish, there has to be a dynamic interaction of each element in order to form a cohesive “whole.” I often work in series or thematic groupings. This iterative process helps me better explore my ideas and bring them to fruition.
My current work reflects a variety of style and processes. Some images are born out of memory and whimsey. Some pieces are classic design studies and exploration of materials. Right now, I am enjoying my skill as a craftsman, my creativity, and the opportunity to investigate a variety of images.
Orchard Pot
Low fire clay and glaze, electric kiln fired
23 x 11 x 11
2023
$500