Clara Shafer
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Bodies Beaded and Jeweled
A smooth worn button, or a sparkling heirloom ring. Objects like these hold significant emotional weight which I want to highlight through the use of found objects in my art. I was initially drawn to ceramics due to its sculptural capabilities but quickly fell in love with the vast array of surfacing possibilities, both ceramic and non. By sourcing material from family members or thrift stores, I discovered the emotional connection people place on everyday items, and how it can be used to evoke a specific feeling, tell a story or process complex emotions and events from my own life. I also really enjoy using found objects because of the range of textures and materials that can not be replicated in clay. Not only does my material choice hold significant emotional value, it also provides visual complexity and interest. I will often lean on traditional stories like those from greek mythology or religious texts to express and process these events and feelings, in combination with repurposed items. I bring these ancient stories into a modern and personal context by incorporating body modifications like tattoos and piercings, this also allows me to place myself in my work.Bio
Clara Shafer was born in Cheshire, Connecticut and currently lives and works in Portland, Maine. She will be graduating from Maine College of Art & Design in Spring 2026 with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Ceramics.Shafer often takes inspiration from classical stories like those told in Greek mythology She incorporates elements from body modification such as tattoos, and body piercings, giving these ancient stories a contemporary and personal twist. This imagery in combination with her own unique style, Shafer tells personal and meaningful stories, often as a way to express and process complex emotions and events. Shafer uses her skills and knowledge of both ceramics, sculpture and jewelry making to create unique figurative and sculptural amalgamations, often incorporating found objects in both the making and finishing process. Shafer works intuitively and organically, striving for a maximalist and highly adorned, collage-like finish. Shafer’s goal is to create and express emotions to a viewer while breathing life back into overlooked or broken items.