Artist Bio

Claire Engelhardt is a ceramic artist and educator based in Philadelphia, PA.

While pursuing painting and illustration at Indiana University Bloomington she stumbled into ceramics; the material spoke to the visual language she had been developing, pulling creatures off the page. This developed into her practice of making creatures as highly sculpted utilitarian objects. Presently working at Black Hound Clay Studio she coordinates woodfirings for the members of the studio. Woodfiring is central to Claire’s process, both in the surfacing that crystallizes the individual personality of each critter, and in nurturing community through the collaboration of tending to the fire. The generous sharing of knowledge within the ceramic community has been instrumental in her growth as an artist. The more Claire learns the more she gets to share, so she is driven to learn a lot.

“I create critters out of clay, with the intention of them being a part of our everyday lives either through their utility or simply by their company.

Woodfiring has been the linchpin of my artistic practice.

It challenges me to engage with the balance of control and letting go. Knowing the presence of my hand in each sculpture while embracing the surprises that come from collaborating with an undulating atmosphere.  Each critter emerges from the kiln their personality crystalized on their surface, marked by their journey.

To me woodfiring has become synonymous with being in community. To bring together our knowledge and our questions. We succeed through our ability to labor, learn, and rely on each other.”

-Claire Englehardt