Hanna Piepel’s inspiration is drawn from antiques and fabrics
6/4/2025
With 195 artists showcasing their work at the Des Moines Arts Festival, only a selected handful represent artists from Iowa.
Hanna Piepel from Ankeny will be displaying her hand-painted functional porcelain and ceramic pieces at the juried festival June 27-29 in Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park.
Piepel’s inspiration is drawn from antiques and fabrics — with a Scandinavian “feel” (although her heritage is German). She creates a variety of pieces, first illustrating the art and then making glaze prints to transfer on the clay pieces. Each illustration on clay is hand-drawn and painted on tumblers, bowls, wall tiles and — her latest creation — lamps.
Piepel began her career as a graphic designer in Colorado; then, she worked for a major Des Moines publisher. She has illustrated books and book covers for authors, while her clay work was a hobby.
Before long, her ceramics took off, and she began displaying at art shows. She also teaches beginning art workshops to kids and adults. Piepel currently creates from her home studio and displays at Mainframe Studios and online at www.hannapiepel.com.
Her success surged, and she perfected her portfolio, taking care when applying for the juried Des Moines Arts Festival. She was put on a waitlist.
“It’s a different jury with different people every year. You might apply one year and make it, and nothing the next year,” she reflects. “I feel grateful and honored to be a part of it.”
She realizes the festival includes top-notch professionals, and some patrons question if the artwork is affordable for attendees.
“I always try to make something at every price point. I try to make something people can walk away with,” she explains.
She likes showcasing at, and attending, art shows, despite the labor-intensive set up.
“I adore going to shows. Shows offer the ultimate connection with the audience and collectors. I have joyful ceramics. People smile and have conversations,” she says. “I love to engage.”
She likes to educate people about her pieces.
“Some people think that I don’t make these by hand. I want to inspire joy, and I love helping people pick different objects. Every piece I make is a little different,” she reflects. “I’m obsessed with details.”
Piepel is constantly “reinventing the wheel” as an artist.
“I have the ability to pivot,” she explains about her success. “Artists have a three-legged stool. Mine is more like a 12-legged stool with all that I do.”
She likes how she can create on a regular basis.
“My work is complicated. I enjoy the different components of graphic design, printmaking and ceramics,” Piepel reflects. “I definitely don’t get bored.” ♦
