Romy Kissel and Clare Backer BiesPhoto by Carolyn Mowat

Romy Kissel and Clare Backer Bies

Photo by Carolyn Mowat

 
 
 
 

A Love of Color and Lots of Collaboration

With more than 25 years in creative partnership, life-long friends Clare Backer Bies and Romy Kissel have been collaborating to make beautiful, cheerful ceramic and mosaic works of art. 

Their friendship was destined to be as both sets of their parents were childhood friends and in each others weddings.  Being less than a month apart in age, they grew up together.  At a young age and encouraged by both of their mothers, part of their play was often art-related creating paintings, clay pinch pots, and other art projects.

Throughout their school years, the two were influenced by the same teachers and often in the same classes.  Local ceramic artist and art teacher, Tom Schum, was a generous mentor whose extra time and encouragement were instrumental to Romy and Clare both moving forward with study in the field of art.

After attending university and receiving professional art education, they each explored life on their own.  In time they each returned home to Jasper, Indiana, where they began creating brightly colored pottery for family and friends.  More requests for their work followed and together they formed a business. 

They are inspired by nature, texture, and color often found outside their small, century-old Indiana studio.  Other influences come from influential ceramic artists, architecture, folk patterns, and travel, both near and far.

Known for their joyful artistic expression, bold designs, and expert craftsmanship, Romy and Clare continue to challenge themselves to see the world through a different lens.

 

Proud to be featured on HGTV's David Bromstad's list of favorite canisters in the November 2017 issue of HGTV Magazine