Dan Howell’s clay work began when he was a boy, making sculptures on the creek banks near the source of the White River on his father’s farm in central Indiana. With encouragement from his high school art teacher, he continued his foray into clay. He first earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University, did some study and work in France for a year, and then continued to receive a master’s degree in sculpture and ceramics from Ball State University.
Dan proceeded to teach art in a wide variety of forms for forty-five years in three different Indiana high schools. His work has now come full circle with a ceramic studio at his home on the banks of the White River in Noblesville.
Currently his style involves the interplay of natural images and geometric patterns. He enjoys using natural images and relating and/or contrasting them in compositions with simplified geometric patterns.
Not content with one form, Dan has explored a range of media including fiber, carved wood and stone, and cast and welded metals. He has practical furniture and fanciful lawn sculpture in his body of work as well. His clay pieces range from functional wheel-thrown porcelain to hand-built stoneware and abstract sculpture. Dan’s work spans fifty years and has been shown in collections both locally and internationally.
Nickel Plate Arts cultivates arts resources to enrich the lives of everyone who experiences our community. A commitment to creativity, leadership, innovation, efficiency and individual dignity guides what we do and how we do it. Nickel Plate Arts serves eastern Hamilton County, from Fishers to Atlanta. To carry out our mission and spirit of collaboration, we also engage with neighboring cities and towns. Learn more at nickelplatearts.org, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.