The OWSAA Feature Artist for April has lived in Oviedo for 33-years in the same house that he has run his business out of for the last 32-years. As soon as you pull up to the home of this long-time pottery artist/teacher and step into its eclectically decorated yard you know you are in for a treat. The yard is full of art pieces that include a giant ant climbing a tree, a T-Rex peeking out of the bushes, a light post guarding triceratops, and even a giant hand waving to the passersby driving down Central Ave. I know for me it is always a treat to see if anything new has been added to the landscape of 353 N. Central Ave. as I drive towards Winter Springs.
As soon as you enter the front door of The Artistic Hand Gallery
& Studio, a sign makes you aware that ninja chickens protect the property. Comforted
by this knowledge you are then warmly greeted by its owner, Del Seaman. Recently,
when I sat down with Del to learn more about his story and the artistic history
of Oviedo he received a phone call from a former pottery student. The adult
woman was interested in attending a pottery class much like those she had
attended as a child at the shop. The call was a testament to Del’s history in
the area and the positive influence he has had on its artistic education.
The historic home that Del and The Artistic Hand reside in
was built in 1929 and houses a wide range of local handcrafted art in its gallery
including ceramic dinnerware, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, pottery, and wind
chimes. The gallery’s hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from
11:00 am to 4:00 pm. You are welcome to visit it in person or you can visit its
website at www.artistichandgalleryandstudio.com/gallery.
The Artistic Hand Studio is found behind the gallery and it’s
here that adults and children can attend painting, drawing, pottery, and
precious metal clay classes. Del himself teaches some of the teen/adult clay
classes and he has a team of experienced teachers for the remaining children,
teen, and adult classes. A complete class schedule can be found at the studios
website page, www.artistichandgalleryandstudio.com/studio.
During my talk with Del, I asked him who had inspired him to
become an artist. He stated that he is a third-generation artist in his family
and that his grandfather mentored him in art from the age of three. It was Del’s
grandfather who gave him his first easel. Although his grandfather passed away
when Del was 14, art has remained a large part of Del’s life and he has a long
history of sharing his talents/knowledge with others. After he graduated from
FSU in 1969, Del went on to teach art at Colonial High School, Lee Middle
School, Seminole Community College, Valencia Community College, and Crealde
School of Art. When you consider all of the students that have had the pleasure
of being taught by Del over the years, you begin to realize that his love for
art will be passed down for many generations to come.
Throughout our conversation, Del mentioned several times
that his daily focus now is giving back. Giving back to Oviedo, giving back to
the clay community, and giving back to those that have made his shop a success.
His motivation for this comes from a quote that his dad shared with him many
years ago. The quote is “do as much good as you can, as long as you can”. I
would argue that Del has been successful in this endeavor but he continues to
do so as though he has yet to accomplish his goal. A good example of his giving
back will be on full display on Saturday, December 3rd on The
Artistic Hand’s grounds. On that day an event Del calls “Art in the Garden”
will be held. During this event, teachers and students will display their art
for sale and 100% of the profits from anything they sell will go directly to
them.
It was a pleasure sitting and talking with Del. He has many
interesting stories to tell and I look forward to getting to know him better in
the future. I hope this article has helped you get to know him and The Artistic
Hand & Studio a little better. Maybe it will even inspire you to give Del a
call to schedule a class for you and/or your child. Even if you don’t feel up
to a class at least go visit the gallery and purchase a wonderful piece of art.
After all, where else can you shop with the peace of knowing that Ninja
Chickens are watching over you?
Be sure to follow The Artistic Hand Gallery & Studio on
Instagram (@artistichandgalleryandstudio) and Facebook
(@TheArtisticHandGallery&Studio).
Until next month, enjoy the arts!
Brian K. Smith
