Commonwheel Artists Co-op

ESTABLISHED 1974

Artist Statements:
We are local painters/potters Ken and Tina Riesterer. After studying fine art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, we fell in love, married, and we took off in search of beauty and inspiration. In April 1984, we found it in Manitou Springs. We, along with our two children, Mark and Elena, enjoy living in Manitou Springs. You can find us most days out painting on the streets or in the hills, or making pots in our studio on Ruxton Avenue.

Ken:
I enjoy painting landscapes on location. I love looking out at a scene and coming up with ways to put what I see on the canvas. In painting, you keep working until you're done. You see what you have in front of you. Pottery has brought a whole new dimension to our art. You can't see the finished product until it's too late to do anything about it. The feeling you have of opening the kiln and seeing for the first time the work you've been doing for the last several weeks is exciting. Painting and ceramics are both a part of my art, and I enjoy the effect they have on one another.

Tina:
For me, painting from life is vital. As I mature as a painter, I become more and more in awe of God's creation, looking at nature and people, the wonderful life that flows in us. How exciting it is to be an artist. I don't know how I will react, and I paint to find out. You never know what's going to happen in the painting, it's very exciting. Collaborating with Ken on ceramic pieces is a lot of fun. For the most part, we use life drawing quick sketches and patterns for painting themes on our pots. What a kick…it's more design and decoration, fitting the form. Working with clay has affected my painting positively, with a new freedom and sense of design. Each time you work in clay, new things develop out of it. Our work is evolving. Keep watching it, you'll see.

KEN & TINA RIESTERER