CERAMICIST. CREATIVE. TEACHER.

After nine years of teaching, Pilar stepped away from being a Secondary Visual Arts & Ceramics teacher to focus on her mental health and be more present for her growing family. Pilar has two Masters Degrees: a Master's in the Art of Teaching and a Master's in Art Education. Even though she does not teach formally in a classroom, teaching is the core of Pilar’s art practice. Through her teaching experience and observations through the Pandemic, the ability to create with one’s hands is what heals and saves an individual. The atmosphere of an art room or art studio provides a comforting opportunity to be vulnerable and learn from failure.

Pilar was first introduced to ceramics at George Fox University. Due to her photographer background, her desire for simplicity and subtle texture drives her ceramic practice and current body of work. Her functional ceramic pieces elevate function with subtle warmth and familiarity.

Her current work discusses the relationship between raw clay and familiar landscapes. The backcountry of the Pacific Northwest greatly influences Pilar’s work.

“I want my work to show the beauty of the land I’m surrounded in and the raw nitty-gritty side of ceramics.” -Pilar Swanson

As an avid backpacker, her ceramic work currently display the iconic mountainous landscapes surrounding the Portland area like Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, and the like.