Art Fair Artist Spotlight: Earl Heinz

As the Oswego Fine Art Fair draws closer, artists from far and near are choosing which pieces to bring and preparing their displays.

Earl Heinz, a pottery artist from Warrenville, is preparing for his second year at the fair.

“New for me this year are large cups/saucers with a hole in the bottom for plants. I'm intrigued to see the response they will get," Heinz said.

Heinz discovered pottery in the early 1970s when he took an elective pottery course in college. That class sparked a lifetime love affair with the art. Many of the techniques he learned during those early years have stuck with him.

“I still use some of the glazes that I developed in the mid 70s,” he said.  

After college Heinz went to work in concrete. Work usually tapered off during the winters, allowing him to focus on his art during those cold months. After his youngest daughter graduated college, Heinz retired and now focuses on his pottery full time.

“I like the designing and making – throwing on the wheel. Making dozens of pieces at a sitting doesn't tire me at all," he said.

Heinz said his work which is mostly functional pottery like casseroles, mugs, planters and tableware. He does have some free form sculptures.

“Throwing is an initial exercise, yet the pieces combine from function and the exploration of color. I am intrigued with glazing," Heinz said. "I like putting a rich, luminous coat on the form.”

In recent Heinz has been experimenting with new processes for "dressing" the pots.

“I've been applying colored slips then scratching, etching and stamping onto the surface. I find it irresistible to throw and brush strong oxides over the glazes," he said.

His techniques result in a complexity of colors and patterns. The eye continually searches for new layers in the designs. One can hardly resist picking up a piece and turning it around and around to study the journey of colors and shapes circling it.

Since focusing on his art full time, Heinz has enjoyed the constant challenges. Not only the challenges of designing new pieces, but the challenges of running his own business.

“I love to get out and see people.” Heinz said. “I enjoy watching their reactions to my work.”

Many artists like to follow the art fair circuit around the country, but Heinz likes to stay in the Chicago area.

“I've done about nine fairs this year. This is my second time at the Oswego Art Fair,” he said. “I like being downtown. There's always a lot of people and a lot of interest in my work.”

The Oswego Fine Art Fair is scheduled for Aug. 20-21 along the streets of downtown.