Bio

Jessica Steinhauser (Steinhäuser) was raised in Germany but since 1988 has lived permanently in Canada. Many of her designs are inspired by the medieval castles and buildings that surrounded her as a child. Whether creating intricate tile motifs for european masonry ovens, transforming clay into sculptural tableware, or shaping architectural and figurative images onto a canvas, Jessica Steinhauser has undertaken a wide range of projects in her 26-year career as an artist.

She has attended both the State School for Art and Design in Nürnberg, Germany, and the State School for Ceramics in Landshut, Germany, receiving her graduate Journeyman Potter designation. Jessica came to Canada in 1988 where she established her studio and store, Stonehouse Pottery in downtown Guelph.

Today, she continues to work as a potter and manipulates a variety of media in order to create ceramic ovens, mosaics and paintings amongst other endeavors. Jessica's involvement in the arts community and measured eye for design have earned her nominations for the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction award in Arts and Culture for 2007 and 2008.

Artist Statement

My work is a reflection of my German heritage and my Canadian sense of possibility. I was born in Canada to German and Swiss parents who returned to Germany when I was very young. My training is all German. I rely on its thoroughness: I am disciplined, I have high standards. My life in Canada however, has given me a sense of space, openness and potential, and at this point I am at a stage in my career and have honed my technical abilities so that I can do whatever I want. I create bowls and mugs that are very traditionally European, I also take classical elements and transplant them on new and different forms. Just like I can choose whether to speak in English or German, I can also choose the language - in the form of material, style, colour and decoration - of the pieces I create. I am continually taking European ideas and modifying them for use in a Canadian context. I am finally at peace with both cultures.

I like working with all types of clay - porcelain, stoneware and earthenware. Each clay has its own limitations and special qualities. I love traditional decoration on simple forms. I also like the challenge of not decorating. The throwing has to be strong to be able to hold a shape without any form of decoration. I am a master thrower. I like production work. I am happy sitting at my wheel making twenty mugs at a time. This is to me what practicing scales is for a violinist. In my mind, I am first and foremost a tradesperson. Art comes or does not come, but it shouldn't come first.

Stonehouse Pottery is my storefront studio in downtown Guelph. People come and chat with me. I am open. Perhaps this public presence is part of why I have been commissioned to do several mosaics for public buildings in Guelph. I am awed by the level of respect my community has for me.

In Europe there are potters markets, and I had always dreamed of initiating one in Canada. In 2005, the first Potters' Market was held in Guelph, a two-day display and sale of over 60 potters' work. Another current project also has a European base. Kachelofens are decorative masonry heaters for homes - like woodstoves - but they only require two or three logs to heat a home for a day. I went to Austria in 2005 and worked aside two master Ovenbuilders. It is my absolute dream to build these ovens in Canada.

I enjoy painting and also long distance running. I carry a sketchbook with me wherever I go: Ideas abound. Who knows what will be next.