Ceramicist. Creative. Mother.

Pilar Swanson, most commonly referred to as 'Swan' by her students, spends most of her time teaching at Amity High School. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from George Fox University, Pilar continued to reside at George Fox to obtain her Masters in Teaching. Despite having an art background throughout her life, she would comment that being able to teach is her art skill. She would continue to say that despite understanding the various art elements and principals of design, teaching is her true passion.

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

Her current body of work discusses the relationship between raw clay and familiar landscapes. Pilar’s work is greatly influenced by the backcountry of the Pacific Northwest.

“I want my work to show the beauty of Oregon and the elegance and textures within the world of ceramics.” -Pilar Swanson

Pilar’s work strives to combine familiarity and comfort to vessel shape.