Platter, 24" in diameter, anagama wood-fired

Over the years, Reitz has received many accolades, including the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal; he also has work in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. However, the ceramist says one of his greatest honors is being commemorated in the carvings on a Maori totem pole in Auckland, New Zealand.
 
He recently began experimenting with low-fired, brightly colored black clay pieces and has participated in a collaborative work installed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Interna-tional Airport. The piece, which was created at Mission Clay Products, consists of  ceramic “pipes” weighing 1,800 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 4 feet wide. In addition to producing ceramics, the artist gives lectures, presents workshops and enjoys printmaking.

Looking back, Reitz says that creating ceramics has given him a means of expression and a way to learn more about himself, and to share his experiences with others. “If I was in it for the money, I would have stayed a meat-cutter,” he jokes.

“It’s not about the physical piece. The act of making it is most important to me,” Reitz concludes. “I’m a very fortunate person because I follow my bliss.”

Don Reitz’s work is on permanent display at Udinotti Gallery in Scottsdale.