Featured Arkansas Artist: Shirley Van Horn

The Arkansas Studies Institute houses four art galleries, including a retail gallery, featuring the work of Arkansas artists and art related to the state. This post is part of a bi-weekly series featuring ASI gallery artists.

Shirley Van Horn
Artist Statement

Playing in mud was something I always enjoyed. Having food on the table and a roof over my head were also enjoyable. So early on, I knew where my priorities would lie. After a career working as an aircraft avionics mechanic for the Air Force Reserves, it was finally time to pursue other interests. I took a lesson in hand building from a local potter and learned the basics of working with clay and firing. I later took another class on wheel throwing and quickly came to the conclusion that my brain and hands did not communicate very well—the wheel was not for me.

I have now been hand building, glazing, and firing my own work for about five years. Most techniques have been self taught or learned from other potters and a lot of reading. I find working with clay to be very relaxing and enjoy it very much. There is so much more to learn and explore; I hope I never tire of exploring this great art form.

Click here to see more work by Shirley Van Horn.