Erin Mahoney * Ceramic Artist

I am a Ceramics teacher as well as an artist, and this is where I post images of my own work. I mainly make functional ceramic pieces, as I enjoy the idea from the Arts and Crafts movement that we can surround ourselves with useful objects that are also beautiful.

My work often has attention to detail either through two-dimensional surface design or three-dimensional sculpting added to the form. I am inspired by Art Nouveau designs as well as American Arts and Crafts pottery styles, such as Rookwood and Grueby pottery. The fascination I have with these styles leads to a combination of floral motifs, intertwining whiplash lines and sometimes an element of the design breaks free of the form and takes on a life of its own.

I use a combination of techniques in my pottery. Sgraffito is a surface design technique where a thin layer of colored clay is painted onto the surface of the pottery, then carved through to reveal the color of the clay beneath, as in "Nouveau Vase" and "Blue Tealight." Other pieces, such as the teacups, are painted with underglaze designs before firing, then covered with a clear gloss glaze.

Most recently, I have been exploring a combination of these two-dimensional techniques with sculpting elements, as seen in and "Hidden Within" and "Chromium Lily," which is currently on display at the Post Road Art Center in Marlborough, MA.

Most of my work is for sale...I sometimes participate in craft shows, and I often make special orders.

Please feel free to contact me at mahoneyceramics@gmail.com with any questions!