Richard Weber is an accomplished self taught ceramic artists since 1998, and former resident of Hawaii for 19 years. After retiring from the United States Submarine Force in 2001, Richard Founded the Kilauea Art Gallery and studio were he worked as the Gallery curater and professional studio artist in Dowtown Hilo on the Island of Hawaii.

Richard works Works with metal, wood and ceramics. His works are in public and private collections world wide and is in the permanent collection of the Hawaii State Art Museum in Honolulu.

Artist Statement: Clay
Richard is often ask the origin, culture or symbolism of a piece. Living in Hawaii and traveling Europe and Asia, experiencing different cultures and ethnic backgrounds have influenced his work. He explains each piece starts out relatively the same but changes as the process continues. My approach to each piece is simple capture the feel of the clay and create, but simplicity some times turns into a challenge. With the clay stretching to it’s limits, pushing the boundaries of earth and man to the point of collapse or total gratification. For me this is a defining moment of "Mastering the Clay".

Richard often finds himself virtually transported to another time and place as he focuses while work is in progress. He states "I can envision the raw clay and minerals dug from the ground that are utilized to produce functional and ceremonial ceramic piece’s. It is than I can make a connection to the Potters of the past and determine the finally out come of the piece". I look at ways to refine there work and bring it forward into the present. Using many of the same type of primitive firing and finishing techniques allows me to apply modern day methods which creates new dimension to the end result. Controlling each of these variables is often left to what Richard refers to as the "Kiln or Fire Gods".