Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Van Dyke.
Hi Rick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have been making pottery for about 25 years. I worked in a studio for 12 years while I worked as an elementary teacher in Eanes ISD. When I retired from teaching 11 years ago, I bought the business and named it Fireseed Clay Art Studios. I rent studio space to 30 other potters. They get a key and have 24-hour/365-day access.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our space was almost bulldozed to build condos a few years ago, but Ann Kitchen, our city council rep, and our neighborhood association went to bat for us, and we are still here! I go to the studio almost every day. Not only do I get to make art, but I get to do it in a most amazing community of wonderful, caring artists.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I have never seen work like mine. It is unique. To me, that is vital to it being art. My style is organic and inspired by nature. I am obsessed with pattern, texture, and color. I want my pots to look like they grew or were hatched from eggs. My work is hand-built and fired to over 2000 degrees, which makes it solid and durable. I make a lot of planters, especially for succulents and cactus.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Hmmm, I’m not sure how to answer this question. Where I live is not being torn apart by war, violent weather, or zombies right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: rickvandykestudio.com or fireseedclaystudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarypotter_rick/
Image Credits
Mark Herron
