Caroline Craigie
Caroline Craigie is a 22-year-old functional ceramicist studying at Appalachian State University. Her work combines wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to create unique tableware. Craigie finds deep inspiration in ornamental designs, wild foliage, and botanical florals, and enjoys exploring the balance between decorative details and everyday utility. Through intentional surface treatments and raw clay contrasts, Craigie aims to create functional pieces that bring the textures of the natural world into the home.
The Story Behind The Art
“My ceramic tureen focuses on the contrast between thrown work and manipulated clay. I construct each piece using a hybrid process: throwing the bases on the wheel, then hand-building sections using an organic coiling and pinching method. After the first firing, I apply an iron oxide stain and wipe it back to highlight the physical texture of my finger pinches. I then wax off the hand-built sections to leave them unglazed, creating a strong contrast between the raw, dark clay and a soft oatmeal glaze.”