The Potter
Paul Koch was born on Long Island, New York. "Having spent my youth by the sea has given me a sense of adventure and endless energy. Many of the works I produce have the feel of the sea and the constant waves coming to give their energy to the land."
Paul came to the Midwest in 1969 after serving in Viet Nam. The quality of life and the open spaces of the area were the lures that apealed most to Paul and his wife Carol. He spent many years working as an artist in Omaha, Nebraska. Painting and printmaking were his mediums of choice. During this time until 1988 Paul had many one-man shows and won awards in local and national competitions.
In 1988 Paul took a sabbatical from art and worked as the executive director for the Siena/Francis House, a shelter for homeless women and men in Omaha. He said, "I needed to take a break from the arts to get my head straight and to make a contribution to society."
In 2002 the desire to return to the creative life called to him. Paul built his studio by the creek and expanded his medium to include pottery and ceramic sculpture. "The technical challenges of pottery are energizing and the tactile feel of the clay is a new experience for me. Not being removed from my medium by a brush or other tool is very refreshing."
"Uniqueness is driven by the creative energy that is a spiritual gift given to every human being. How we choose to express this gift is something each person decides for themself. I¡¦ve been fortunate to have been given this environment to work in and the talent to create art. I give thanks each day for these gifts."