Kim Myhre Clarke

Media

ceramics, watercolor, mixed media

Kim Myhre Clarke's artistic journey began in the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, where she was nurtured by the creative spirit of her artistic father. Her early years were marked by a wanderlust that led her across the globe, a journey during which she embraced every opportunity to immerse herself in ceramic classes, regardless of her location. This lifelong dedication to the craft deepened as she honed her skills. For over two decades, Kim has passionately shared her expertise, teaching pottery and ceramic art to countless students. Her whimsical and distinctive work has garnered significant recognition, gracing numerous galleries and enriching private collections worldwide. Today, Kim Myhre Clarke continues to create from her studio in Lynchburg, Virginia, where her art reflects a lifetime of exploration, learning, and playful imagination.

Artist Bio

My journey into ceramics began in childhood, when playing with a simple ball of mud (clay) sparked a sense of wonder in me. From the very start, the process of transforming clay felt truly magical. Working with clay became my key to a secret garden, my path down the rabbit hole, through the looking glass, and back again. Over the years, this magical transformation led me from being a hobbyist to becoming a professional artist and ceramics teacher.

Ceramics offers me a profound sense of accomplishment and integrity. It serves as a remarkably adaptable medium for expressing my inner vision and turning it into tangible reality. Ultimately, I create my figures because I feel an undeniable compulsion to do so.

I shape my sculptures from the inside out, drawing inspiration from contemporary artists such as Frida Kahlo, Tim Burton, and Beatrice Woods. My approach is deliberate and intentional, as I consciously employ both traditional methods and innovative techniques in my work. Yet, it is my subconscious that truly manages each project. The joy I experience during this creative process lifts my imagination, allowing for moments where happy accidents and grace play a role in shaping the final piece.

My imagination propels me to create figurative sculptures that evoke a whimsical, otherworldly existence. As my figures take shape, they undergo a metamorphosis, evolving from purely human forms into embodiments of the stories I wish to tell. I craft each piece with high-fire clay and finish them with vibrant glazes, engobes, and underglazes to bring their images to life.

The stories in my mind guide the formation of my figures, and my hope is that those who view my work will feel inspired to invent their own tales. Through my art, I aim to spark the imagination and creativity of my patrons, inviting them to explore new narratives within the figures I create.

Artist Statement

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