Bill Heyduck Stoneware Pottery Vase and Pitcher 1993 Listed Illinois Ceramics Artist

This pottery vase and pitcher duo was created in 1993 by potter Bill Heyduck (1928-2015) of Charlotte, Illinois. A ceramics class he took with the illustrious potter/sculptor David Shaner inspired him to start making pottery himself. He started Heyduck Stoneware in 1971 in Charlotte, making high-fired, wheel thrown pottery. Articles about his work have been featured in ceramics magazines and his stoneware art is in several permanent collections. He retired from his post as Professor of Art at Eastern Illinois University after 29 years, having received the Distinguished Faculty Award for 1995. Heyduck was also an author, having written numerous published books and short stories. 

Both the vase and the pitcher are made of speckled greyish-tan stoneware. The brown and blue glazes on the vase cover all sides, forming rectangles, drips and swipes that are reminiscent of an abstract painting. The same glazes on the pitcher form softer, rounder, more cohesive figures, one on each side. 

The vase has a narrow lip on the 4 inch wide mouth atop the 7 1/2 inch tall hourglass shape that flares out at the bottom then narrows to a 3 1/2 inch wide base. The 6 3/4 inch tall pitcher has a pulled mouth and a narrow waist that bellies out then slopes down to a 4 inch diameter base. From the outer edge of the spout to the outer edge of the applied strap handle measures 7 1/4 inches. The handle is fastened onto the body with three Heyduck thumbprints. The potter's finger marks as he spun these pieces on his wheel are very evident. Each has a dry bottom, hand signed with his iconic "Heyduck" and "1993," incised in the clay.

The pitcher weighs 2 pounds 5 ounces, while the vase weighs 2 pounds. Both are in excellent condition, with no damage or wear. Not all of Bill Heyduck's pottery pieces are functional; we have seen several that are purely decorative. Both of these, however, are fully glazed on the interior, making them not only highly artistic sculptural pieces but also ones that can actually hold liquids, so they can hold fresh flowers as well as dry or silk ones. They are wonderful studio pottery pieces by a talented, eminent potter. 

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