Howie Schiansky

An introduction

Howie Schiansky's life and work is rooted in the Shropshire countryside. Originally form Werthiem, Germany, he moved with his wife Caro to Minsterley in 1980.

Around the family home they have created a beautiful expansive garden and it is this love of garden and landscape that form a primary source of inspiration for his ceramics. Howie's aim with each work is to achieve harmony between shape and decoration. His thrown pieces have strong fluid lines and are decorated at the raw clay stage, which gives immediacy and spontaneity to the design.

After throwing the pot on his wheel, a covering of slip is applied. This is a liquid, cream coloured layer of clay, either poured or dipped to produce a surface on which a palette of fresh colours and lively brushstrokes and marks evoke natural forms, plant structures, birds, fish and also abstract rhythmic designs. He uses blues and greens with accents of amber and yellow, glowing translucent hues contrasting with opaque slip colour. Intense, lustrous black makes dramtic gestural strokes. Over the years Howie has developed a painterly fluency, each brushstroke is fresh and spontaneous. The marks are reminiscent of elements we see in the surrounding landscape.

Recently Howie's work has developed to include 'built forms' made from slabs of clay. Lidded pots, clocks and vases take on quirky and animated forms with his versatile technique and show another side to his personality.

Whether practical domestic pieces or sculptural decorative ware, Howie Schiansky's ceramics are a pleasure to own, use and admire.

You are always welcome to come and browse in the showroom. If you would like to visit the workshop on the premises or are interested in pottery classes please do ask.

If you are coming some distance or coming out specially, please ring to make quite sure that we are open.