Clara Holt is an Italian artist and ceramicist who has gained recognition for her beautifully decorated ceramic vessels and tiles. Drawing inspiration from ancient myths and decorative traditions, Holt’s work is characterized by vibrant and colorful illustrations that bring each piece to life. Employing techniques such as sgraffito, she meticulously scratches off parts of a colored slip applied to leather-hard pottery, revealing the clay color underneath and creating contrasting images, patterns, and textures.
Her unique pieces often feature illustrations inspired by places, mythology, or childhood stories, making each creation a one-of-a-kind work of art. Holt’s passion for classical literature and surrealist currents informs her personal interpretation of her subjects, resulting in dreamlike scenes and imaginary characters that invite interpretation and reflection.
Some pieces are decorated with the sgraffito technique on the raw piece. I apply a layer of colored slips to leather hard pottery and then scratch off parts of the layer to create contrasting images, patterns and texture and reveal the clay color underneath. Some other pieces are handmade and bisque fired. Then I decorate them using oxides and pigments, I glaze and fire them again, to make them water safe and food safe. I have always had a passion for classical literature, Greek epics and the surrealist current, which guides my research and personal interpretation of my subjects. Each piece is a one-off, illustrated with a drawing inspired by places, mythology or childhood stories.
Clara Holt
More info: Website, Instagram.
