Kim Clarke

Playing with a ball of mud (clay) when I was very young started it. From the beginning transforming clay has struck me as magical. Clay is my key to the secret garden, my way down the rabbit hole through the looking glass and out again. Over the years, that magical process has had its way with me, leading me from hobby to professional artist and ceramics teacher. Ceramics fills me with a sense of accomplishment and integrity and has proven a most amenable vehicle for translating inner vision to outer reality. But basically, I create my figures because I am compelled to!

I fashion my sculptures from the inside out influenced by the creations of contemporary artists Frida Kahlo, Tim Burton, and Beatrice Woods. I work deliberately, consciously employing both traditional and innovative techniques. However, my subconscious is the undisputed project manager. The joy of this work elevates my imagination and provides many opportunities for happy accident and grace to influence the finished project.

My imagination drives me to the creation of figurative sculptures of a whimsical, out-of-this-world-existence. They go through a process of metamorphosis as they evolve from strictly human forms into the essence of the story they tell. I create my figures with high fire clay. Finishing them with colorful glazes, englobes, and underglazes bringing their images to life. I form my figures based on stories in my mind. My intention is for my patrons to be inspired to create their own tales.