A New Spin on Traditional Techniques: Salty Ceramics

There’s a revival going on in the arts and crafts world. Artisans are using new techniques, materials, and technology to give their works a modern twist; and buyers, perhaps trying to escape the ubiquity and impermanence of the digital age, are looking for unique, custom-made artifacts.

Here are three local craftswomen whose work exemplifies the new levels of artistry and innovation that are hallmarks of today’s arts and crafts revival.

• Crewel Ghoul: Click here to read about Amanda Neely and her embroidery work.
• Sea Tied Goods: Click here to read about Elise Siegel and her work with macrame.
• Salty Ceramics: Read more about Meghan Harper and her work with ceramics below.

A few classes in ceramics was all it took to make MEGHAN HARPER a ceramics artist. She opted to specialize in functional ceramics, and her work includes mugs, soap dispensers, spoon rests, sake sets, bowls, and other pieces people can use. 

“I like art you can use daily versus something that creates dust,” Harper says. 

Pop culture, the beach, and nature all inspire Harper, and her work reflects that. Elaborately detailed images of Baby Yodas, seahorses, jellyfish, leaves, feathers, and other natural phenomena adorn her pieces. 

Harper’s work is bright and cheerful. She uses brush and dip glazes, many of which she makes, to color her pieces. Harper also makes some pieces in funky, fun shapes. The combination gives her pottery a modern edge. 

Harper uses a variety of techniques to create her ceramics. She may carve an image, such as a seahorse, into the pottery; make the image and attach it to the pottery; or use preprinted images to serve as a base upon which to build her own unique designs. 

Harper sells her work at her studio at the ArtWorks and her website, saltyceramics.com. 

In the future, Harper hopes to open her own pottery school. 

“I’d like to share my passion with everyone else who is interested,” she says.

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.