Erica Wurtz

"I have always been drawn to the balance between strong sculptural form and understated elegance."

Erica makes sculptural forms, often abstracting from the traditionally round vessel. Her process is similar to assemblage, as she builds her work from disparate sculptural parts. Erica delights in clay’s plasticity, allowing her to create bulbous volumes that can be bent and twisted. She strives to capture movement, visual softness, and buoyancy within each piece.

Erica's stoneware vessels are made from a combination of wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Her construction method is fluid, spontaneous, and intuitive, allowing her to assemble multiple forms into a thoughtful, cohesive whole. Hollow construction in many pieces allows for large volumes, while convex bases allow pieces to appear to float. Her rich glaze palette accentuates form and invites touch.

Erica became interested in ceramics at a young age. She went on to pursue a BA and MA in the field. Since getting her Masters she has divided her time between teaching and studio practice.