About Toni
Welcome to a journey through clay, creativity, and the love for all things transport. My name is Toni Zientek, and I am the heart and hands behind the ceramic creations that celebrate the motion and beauty of transport, alongside functional and decorative pottery. My studio in Poynton, Cheshire, is my sanctuary where ideas become tangible art, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to education, creativity, and craftsmanship.
My Path to Pottery
My artistic journey began at Madeley College of Education, Keele, Staffordshire, where I was immersed in the world of art from 1965 to 1968. Following my passion for teaching and creating, I embarked on a career that would see me inspiring young minds as a General Art Teacher from 1968 to 1973, and eventually becoming the Head of Art for students aged 11 to 18 until 2002. My focus was on nurturing creativity, specifically teaching A Level Art and Ceramics, up to and including examination level. This period honed my skills, deepened my love for ceramics, and solidified my belief in the power of art education.
In 1976, driven by a desire to explore the endless possibilities of clay, I established a home workshop. This space became a crucible for experimentation, leading to the specialization in turned and cast domestic ware, as well as the creation and development of caricature type and scale replica models of transport. My workshop was a place where vehicles of all kinds were reborn in ceramic form, each piece a story, a memory, a celebration of design and history.
Memorable Commissions
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of working on commissions that not only challenged my skills but also brought immense joy to those who received them. Notably:
- Crafting 51 ‘Road Runner’ local delivery trucks for Leyland Trucks, including a special piece for the daring French driver Gilbert Bataille.
- Designing 6 Golf trophies based on The Mini Metro for Lex Meads car dealership.
- Creating an articulated rig for Dunlop Tyres, capturing the essence of strength and mobility.
- Being asked to make a model of a very early 20th-century ‘Peugeot Cabriolet’ found in a French barn, a project that stood out for its rarity and historical significance.
The Craft
My approach to pottery is grounded in a deep appreciation for sculptural structure, employing techniques such as slab, moulded, cast, and turned construction. This allows me to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also functional, blending art with everyday life.
In the realm of transport, my work spans caricatures to scale replicas, capturing the essence of each subject from a single photograph or detailed measurements. Whether it’s a car, bus, lorry, railway engine, or any other mode of transport, the goal is always to achieve a blend of accuracy and artistry.
A Diploma and A New Chapter
In 1981, I furthered my expertise with a Diploma in Art Education, a testament to my commitment to both teaching and creating. And in 2022, I opened my specialist studio in Poynton, Cheshire, a milestone marking a new chapter in my journey.
Thank you for visiting my website. Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or someone looking for that unique piece of pottery, I invite you to explore my work and perhaps find something that speaks to you. – Toni Zientek
