 I have been involved in ceramics for 53 years. I taught in the demonstration elementary school for University of California at Berkeley. Creative clay ideas were always included in the children's education.
I have been an Ambassador for Duncan Enterprises for the past 5 years. I have taught classes in many parts of the USA and the world. Although I have worked in other fields of art I always go back to clay and love the feel and wonders of the media.
I have had articles published in Popular Ceramics Magazine and several articles on my ceramic historical building in local newspapers. My "Birthplace of the Republican Party" has given me the most opportunities. For instance, one went to President Reagan on his first birthday in office in 1981. I was asked to design an Easter Egg four different years, for the "Easter Egg at the White House". Lastly I had the "Birthplace of the Republican Party" displayed for a year in an exhibit in the National Archives in Washington DC in 1997.
In 1990, the California Council of Women Appointees commissioned me to design and sculpt a commemorative plate of the California Governors Mansion. Two hundred and fifty plates were sold to collect money to restore the third floor of the Mansion in honor of California's first Lady Gloria Deukmejian.
In 1993, I was asked to participate in the "Peninsula to Peninsula" art exchange with the Russian government. My ceramic replicas of Point Vicente Lighthouse and Randy's Donut Shop along with the White House Easter Egg "Bliss" will be permanently displayed at the Cultural Arts Building in the City of Petropavlovsk, Russia.
The editor of the well known Japanese Handcraft Magazine approached me in 1994. She brought a photographer from Japan to take pictures of my ceramic creations and handmade tiles which are displayed in my home and garden.
I have designed several art projects that have been taught in the local and surrounding school districts. Over 30,000 children have done these clay projects now. I have also designed several classes for the Duncan University and for Art Educators on the Duncan Coloramics website.
I look back at my childhood for inspiration. My mom and dad gave me many opportunities and encouragement. My dad exposed me to many facets of the art world. My mother was very artistic both in homemaking and music. I wanted to be an Opera singer when I was younger and it was a big surprise to my friends that I turned to art instead. It has been a JOY.
Pat Hinz |
