Artist Spotlight: Diane Horn

Our Featured TopCity Rise Artist

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Two local artists worked together to create several pieces. V Heiland, local Henna Artist and owner of Essential Henna created stunning designs on Diane Horn's pottery.

5 Senses Photography

No doubt if you ever dreamed of being an artist you were told, “artists can’t make a living” I know I was! But I can’t wait to tell you about this month's featured artist, Diane Horn. She is an artist that moved here about ten years ago when her husband took a job in Topeka.

When Diane Horn was an Art History Major at Florida State University, she had to choose a studio art course to take. She chose wheel throwing and the rest is history! She was hooked! Like most artists she thought about changing her major to ceramics, but everyone knows 'artists can't make a living' so she continued her journey in becoming an Art Historian. Yeah, it is ironic that a historian opened a pottery business, but I suppose the deep love of art can not be tamed. Maybe one day her name will be in history books and her pieces on display in museums.

Handmade teapot by Made Maker

5 Senses Photography

Diane, like most artists, takes what they see and feel in their everyday life and translates it to a work of art. She takes her inspiration from the Lord in many ways. From His Word, through His people and in His creation of many parts of nature that cause her to stand in awe and inspire her. She has that artist’s drive to capture that beauty and translate it into her work. “I'm often thinking, 'Wow God! How can I do that in clay?'”

The way that people connect to art and the artist is such a beautiful thing. Our community feels the passion, love and heart that Diane puts into each piece and rallies behind this local artist. “I have been so encouraged here by the number of people and businesses that work to encourage and support each other. We have come so far as a community and there is so much more to be done!”

Diane has made countless Topeka flag mugs however not one is exactly alike.

Photo Credit: Emma Highfill

What drives you?

“I have been made to create and bring glory to God. Whether that is in making, teaching or simply living out the life God puts in front of me as a wife and mom. The love He has shown me through Jesus Christ drives me to create and draw attention to the Creator.”

What legacy do you hope to leave?

“The only legacy I'm looking to leave is to lead my kids and the people I have come into contact with to magnify the Lord and bring Him glory in whatever they do. I pray that whatever pottery I make that survives to future generations is a reminder that He is our Father, we are the clay, He is the potter. We are all the work of His hands. (Isaiah 64:8)”

Can you tell us about your thoughts and feelings and the process of creating pieces?

“What I love about pottery is that it usually begins with the function, the necessity or need for some kind of vessel. But as it is formed it begins to take on the nuances that only my hands will make. Each potter leaves his or her mark making each piece unique, like us!

There are other times when there is no doubt an idea comes from the Lord and I am simply riding His creative wave. That is my most favorite type of making. In those times I cannot move on until I get it out! It's almost like I'm sitting back and watching my hands do the making and don't fully feel like I can take credit for it when it's done!”

Artist and owner of Made Maker, Diane Horn

Photo Credit: Emma Highfill

In this new year, Diane will be working with a new black clay body. She is looking back to some ancient Greek pottery and forms that originally inspired her. I can not wait to check out her new creations! You can find her pieces on her Etsy page Made Maker Pottery as well as a few local shops like Ash Boutique and Craftee Crafters. If you are lucky you may be able to snag some of her beautiful Topeka flag mugs from the Gift Shop in the Kansas State Capitol building!

“Thank you to all the people in Topeka who have encouraged and supported me and this little pottery business. I hope to be a blessing to this community by creating things that point us to what matters most.” ~ Diane Horn

Artist Spotlight Sponsor: Hodam Farm Bureau Financial Services

Artist Spotlight Sponsor