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Ceramic artist finds home in Bandera

January 04, 2023 - 00:00
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    Ceramic artist Tyler Howard shows off some of the pieces he has for sale at Maggie Mae’s and Nellie Ray’s in Bandera. BULLETIN PHOTO/ Tracy Thayer

Even though Tyler Howard has only recently moved to Bandera County, it is not unfamiliar to him. Howard has spent several weeks every summer at Don and Kathy Giles’ ranch. Staying with his aunt and uncle was a time he looked forward to, even though he was born in Chicago. Tyler states that it was a big change to move from the big city to a small town.

“Coming to Bandera was an escape for me. I always looked forward to those two weeks every year here as I was growing up.”

Tyler comes from a family that is involved in the arts as either painters or musicians. Tyler ascribes most of his inspiration from his late grandmother, a notable artist and musician in her own right. “Art has played a major role in my life, I get most of my artistic taste from my late grandmother,” he volunteered.

His enthusiasm for ceramics is easy to see. Tyler began experimenting with ceramics in high school. What started out as an easy elective choice became his passion. He built his skills and knowledge of clay by working his way up through entry level classes to AP level studies to a noted community college program for advanced ceramics.

“They even chose me to represent the college at a national ceramic art convention,” he remarked.

Howard uses his grandmother’s influence in the creation of his pottery. He does look to incorporate other cultures’ artistic forms and values to his work. Using the influence of his Japanese heritage, Tyler creates objects that are both practical and stylish.

He employs softly muted glazes that mimic the cool tones of nature. His shapes run from whimsical to sleek and pragmatic. His ceramics vary from small vases and bowls to moderately large platters.

He now works out of his house as his passion calls him to make hand-crafted and unique pieces of ceramic art. No two pieces will ever be the same, he says. Tyler speaks proudly of his first commissioned work, a ten-inch salad bowl for a neighbor.

Knowing an artist puts their time, energy, creativity, blood, sweat and tears into each piece to make something unique and indescribable inspires him. He thrives on creating artistic forms with his hands. Tyler credits his streak of perfectionism and attention to detail for his success as a potter. Accordingly, he states that he is his own worst critic. Tyler also admits that taking risks with his art is important to him as well.

The long-lasting lifespan of ceramics intrigues him. He speculates that someday archaeologists will find shards of his work and wonder about the process and inspiration behind them.

He sees his pieces as opportunities to be versatile conversation starters and enhance the presentation of food within the home. Tyler Howard has a small display of his pottery upstairs at Maggie Mae’s and Nellie Rae’s in Bandera. He also works on commissions. Contact him at his home studio at 224-587-3199.