A little peace goes out into the world with every piece

Artist’s Statement for Joe Hadamik

 

I was born in Chicago in 1962 to Polish immigrants.  I attended grade school in Downers Grove, IL.  I started high school in Westmont and graduated from St. Joseph’s in Westchester, IL.  My love of art started at Westmont High School only to follow me to St. Joe’s.  I entered the Webolts Scholastic Art Show senior year and won a gold key.  Throughout my high school years, I learned how to draw, paint and throw pottery.  My first love was always pottery and I practiced as much as I could.

 

The College of  Dupage was a great learning adventure.  With a gas kiln and glazing room, I found my little piece of heaven.  My two instructors were knowledgeable and open-minded.  I learned about all aspects of clay work from making clay and glaze formulation to firing a raku kiln.  Solid foundations in advanced wheel techniques were also passed on to me.  I also took classes in graphic arts and went on to work as a graphic artist for 14 years.

 

Many years have passed since the college days but the love of pottery is still there.  About ten years ago, I returned to pottery and purchased what I needed to get started again.  I am working mainly with stoneware bodies and porcelain fired to cone 6 oxidation.  Most of my work is functional with an interesting collection of art pieces.  I built a raku kiln in 2004 and enjoyed much success from it.   As always, combining wheel and hand built pieces consumes much of my time.

 

Over the past ten years, I have given many wheel demonstrations to local schools and churches.  I have also participated in the Fields Fine Arts Festival in Crest Hill (9 years), and the Towne and Country Art Show in Oswego (3 years), first place.  Alliance Of Fine Art ( Oak Brook ) honorable mentions. Plainfield Art League, best in show and best of the best titles.  Had the honor to participate in 2012 Liturgical and Spirituality show in Springfield, IL.  I received the Best in Show title for the The Art of Oswego 2012 and 2014.  The People Exhibition, IL. State Museum Lockport 2016.   Featured artist “Open” 2016-2017 (Live demonstration of wheel throwning.)  Lemont Center for the Arts, “Gala at the Lithuanian Museum, honorable mention 2017.  2017 Galley 7 “The Art of Illinois” Third place. 2017  Lewis University Art Gallery - The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery Chicago Society of Artists "A Collective Expression"   I had shared my talents with students at the Plainfield Art Factory in Plainfield (6 years). Assisted Plainfield North High School teachers with their Empty Bowls project for two years.  

 

Member of the Chicago Society of Artist