Jeanne Sydell is a vibrant artist whose various talents include oil painting, wood carving, and pottery -- with pottery design being her primary interest. She has studied at San Antonio Art Institute, St Edward's University, Austin Community College, Baylor University, and McClennan Community College. She has also studied privately under various artists.

Considering her ideas and her art as an adventure, she has devoted countless hours to experimenting with various techniques of firing, throwing, and hand building with clay. The love of color is a particular passion of Sydell's -- a passion which is reflected through her unique use of glazes on porcelain, stoneware, and canvas, drawing much of her inspiration from her surroundings, past and present.

Sydell's lifestyle is as varied as her talents. She has raised four sons, owned a country store, practiced real estate, and ridden her motorcycle through much of Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Her sons (Bill, a Lutheran Minister in Katy, Texas; Mickey, a supervisor with the power plant in Austin, Texas; Richard, a general contractor, singer, and part-time actor in Austin, Texas; and Elton, a social worker and metal sculpture artist in Austin, Texas) all believe she has lead a very full life indeed.

There is a difference. Sydell describes her unique and creative works of clay as being "one of a kind" since no molds or presses are used and each item is individually handmade either by Sydell or one of her talented craftsman. Paying attention to design and detail make the products outstanding in quality and workmanship. The "fun" pots, traditional and nontraditional pottery crosses, and angels are fashioned from any of six different clay bodies. By employing a variety of firing and glazing techniques, results are a work of art. All designs are originals of Sydell® Riverplace Pottery, and any successful attempt to duplicate Sydell's unique products is certainly a miracle. Sydell's desire is that by sharing her passion for clay, her pottery art is bringing some pleasure, joy, or comfort to its owners.

Jeanne Sydell and her husband also own Dick's Place on the scenic Brazos River. They offer rentals of both canoes and kayaks for a fun filled trip from Lake Whitney dam to his location just over 8 miles down river. There are also beautiful cottages for rent. Visit the Dick's Place website here. http://www.dickscanoe.com

Shown at Left: Oil paintings by Jeanne Sydell
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