Island Treasures: High Fire Hawaii Gallery & Studio—Hilo

By Le‘a Gleason

Shannon Hickey was born and raised in Chicago and has lived in Hawaii 25 years. She holds a degree in Art from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and was deeply involved in ceramics and printmaking during her time at the University, where she worked as a studio technician.

Shannon has been crafting handmade high fire ceramic art and sharing her passion for ceramics with students for more than 15 years. She was also instrumental in the creation of High Fire Hawaii Gallery & Studio where she shows her work and serves as gallery manager. She also teaches classes in beginning and intermediate ceramics for adults and children.

“The inspiration for my work is grounded in the natural environment of our volcanic island and its cultural history; influenced by Asian traditions that came to the islands with immigrants from Japan, China, and Korea. I am particularly inspired by the traditional wood fired techniques of Japan that yield pieces reminiscent of the natural artwork of our island’s volcanoes,” Shannon says.

Shannon says her work is unique because it represents an intersection between functionality and art. It’s crafted from clay and glaze materials imported from the mainland and local materials (leaves, ferns, shells) are used for impressing textures and detail.

“Each object serves as a canvas that can be exploited to expand the level of artistic expression available to me as an artist. The result is a synthesis of utility and aesthetics that I strive to cultivate in my work and my student’s work,” she says.

One challenge in Shannon’s work has been that production costs have always been higher for island potters because of the high costs associated with shipping and storing heavy materials. High Fire Hawaii became an authorized dealer for Laguna Clay Company, which has allowed Shannon to offer significantly lower material and equipment costs for potters on Hawai‘i Island.

Shannon says her clientele is split between visitors and local residents. She strives to create a product that inspires repeat customers. She says that many visitors bring home her work and end up ordering again.

High Fire Hawaii Gallery & Studio
114 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo
808.935.8380
info@highfirehawaii.com
HighFireHawaii.com