Biography

“If you want to continue woodfiring, you either need to go to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ or Utah State University in Logan, Utah,” said Jim Lorio to Heidi Kreitchet in the studio at Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colorado. Little did she know, Lorio had predicted her future.

In the summer of 1999, Kreitchet was accepted to Northern Arizona University’s art program. Under the direction of ceramic wizard, Don Bendel, and new arrival, Jason Hess, Kreitchet explored wood firing for the next five years. She was greatly influenced by Hess’s innovative approach to woodfiring. She also credits the influence of Paula Rice, Ellen Tibbets, and Ted Adler who encouraged her to experiment in all areas of ceramics.

After graduation, Kreitchet was fortunate to assist renowned ceramic artist Don Reitz. During the two year assistantship in Clarkdale, Arizona, working and living on “the ranch” was a challenging experience for Kreitchet--physically, mentally, and spiritually. By watching and absorbing Reitz’s skillful techniques with hand building, Kreitchet was inspired to push her own ideas with clay.

In 2006, Kreitchet joined the Masters of Fine Arts program at Utah State University under the guidance of John Neely and Dan Murphy. At USU, Kreitchet continued to pursue woodfire and her ceramic muse. She received her MFA in May of 2009.

Currently, Kreitchet is living and working in Pomona, CA. She is the studio manager and an instructor at The Pottery Studio located at the American Museum of Ceramic Arts (AMOCA).