Richard Wehrs
Peoria, Illinois USA
"Hand-build, one-of-a-kind earthenware faces and figures, rich in textures and patterns, and bright, layered colors. Each has a unique, often humorous and unexpected title. Inspired by B-movie villains, aliens, monsters and superheroes, they're an intriguing mix of creepy and cute."
About Me
Peoria artist Richard Wehrs is a Minnesota native, where he attended Concordia University (St. Paul) and the University of Minnesota before receiving his MFA in studio art from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, IL. He taught at the John Burroughs School in Ladue, MO, in the mid 1990s, while operating a ceramics studio in downtown St. Louis in the City Museum building. He teaches numerous clay sculpture workshops and has exhibited widely in the Midwest. He's won numerous awards at art fairs and juried exhibitions.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
Current hobby: learning Italian (in my sixth year now!) for travel when I retire someday
I love to cook
I have many years of work in non-profit fundraising and strategic planning -- which I truly love!
Our dog Roxy is a pug/chihuahua mix, now 14 years old - sweetest pup ever
In my spare time I love gardening and landscaping
More About Me
What is the funniest or most unexpected reaction someone has had to your work?
Often people joke that I "must be on some good meds," speculate on whether or not I have nightmares, am currently in or would be willing to seek counseling, etc. It's all in good fun... I think! I absolutely love doing art fairs where I can see a wide variety of people look at, and respond to, both my pieces and their titles, and it's a joy to see big smiles and hear the occasional burst of laughter. It's great fun!
How do you hope people feel when they engage with your art?
I describe my work as being pure play -- I seldom know what I'm going to make when I start, but allow the process to go in whatever direction it will -- and my hope is that playfulness brings some happiness to people both in the short- and long-term as they see it. One collector proudly told me of the piece he hung next to his bathroom mirror. "I look at myself, I look then at your sculpture, I look back at myself and say, 'dang, I look pretty darn good today!'"
Which places, people, or moments inspire you the most?
Without a doubt, having friends from all over the world have been tremendous sources of inspiration and joy for me. Each has challenged my assumptions, expanded my horizons, and made my world so much bigger and more fulfilling. Travel guru Rick Steves talks eloquently about the importance of curiosity and learning to appreciate the endless variety of perspectives, cultures, histories, etc. on this planet, and I couldn't agree more!