Biography

Bill Heiderich was born in Iowa City, Iowa in November 1952. His father was a student at the University of Iowa and his mother a homemaker tending to Bill and his older sister. This young family moved to Mason City, Iowa where they welcomed two additional sons and lived until 1959 when they headed west, settling in Southern California.

Seven years later, the family moved to San Jose, California. Bill attended Andrew Hill High School and was introduced to fine art and working in clay by his high school teacher Phil Niederhoff. Under Phil’s mentorship, Bill developed strong skills and a deep understanding of the world of art and ceramics.

Bill attended San Jose State University to further develop as an artist. He received his Bachelor of Arts in ceramics and a Master of Fine Arts in plastic arts. He also earned his California Community College Teaching Credential in art and design. While in college he supported his young family working as a milk distributor.

As a child, Bill was fascinated with building objects. This curiosity fueled a desire to build his own home, so he earned a contractor’s license and built two homes for his family, all the while working as a dairy distributor and a college instructor. Bill taught various art courses from beginning ceramics and sculpture to fabrication and 3-dimensional design.

Married for almost fifty years, Bill has three adult children and two grandchildren. His artwork, which can be found in a number of public and private collection, has been exhibited at many regional, national, and international shows. Throughout his art career, Bill has received awards and accolades for his art work. Over the past 20 years, Bill has expanded his sculptural interests and produces works in metal and wood. He maintains a studio in California and continues to exhibit his work.