As seen on Canvas Rebel: An interview with Lisa Hilton

“Canvas Rebel is a space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling. ”

My route to becoming a clay sculptor has been long and circuitous. I have been compelled to create in a visually artistic way since as far back as I can remember. Because I was good at math, I studied and worked in the actuarial field. That choice, although gratifying on many levels, didn’t address an unarticulated, deep-seated need. When my husband and I decided to start our family, I threw all my energy into the domestic endeavors, accounting for my husband’s business and volunteering.

When my children were in high school, I contemplated my next steps. Of all the possible choices, art was the only one that reached into my soul. I returned to college and earned my BFA. Touching clay felt like coming home. Its various stages of development provide an endless array of challenges.

Currently, I am creating ceramic sculptures based on the human figure.

I am fascinated with the complexity of people both physically and emotionally. Individuals have such unique combinations of characteristics related to physical traits, natural talent, motivation, belief, and fear. Added to these innate qualities are familial, educational, and cultural influences. The complicated and mystifying interaction of these various influences are simply amazing. I am awed by the multitude of possibilities for individual thoughts, ideas, reactions and perceptions. The outcomes increase exponentially when grouping two or more people.

The intersection of personal perception and human body language is fascinating. I enjoy discovering how gesture impacts a viewer’s concept of a piece. I spend a great deal of time experimenting with texture. For me, surface variation and texture are expressive avenues for depicting the layers of complexity and depth inherent in every person.

My collectors are drawn to the emotive quality of my pieces. I am often told that it reminds them of an aspect of their life or relationships. I sell both my original work as well as take commissions.