Clara Holt
©All rights reserved
Clara Holt
©All rights reserved
Clara Holt
©All rights reserved
Clara Holt
©All rights reserved
Clara Holt
©All rights reserved
Clara Holt
©All rights reserved

Clara Holt

Ceramic decorator

Milan, Italy

The physical depth of modern clay

  • Clara specialises in the sgraffito technique
  • She combines mythology and personal experience in her creations
  • Her pieces are characterised by rich narratives and symbols that invite deep exploration

Clara Holt primarily works in ceramics and printmaking, creating hand painted tile murals and decorating functional pots using the sgraffito technique on raw clay. Following a degree in clinical psychology and 12 years in corporate television, she fully turned to art in 2022. Clara trained independently in ceramic decoration while studying printmaking at Milan's Castello Sforzesco. As the founder of creative hubs like Fuoco Blu in Milan and Studio Ardilla in Genoa, she actively teaches workshops and undertakes international artist residencies. These global immersive experiences, from Iceland to Galicia and Bali, have deeply enriched her distinct artistic practice where ancient myths, local folklore and intimate autobiographical memories seamlessly intertwine into intricate narrative works.

Clara Holt is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2021.

INTERVIEW

Literature, human encounters and observation slowly settle in my memory, becoming a visual diary. Artistically, I draw deeply from printmaking by Goya, Dürer, Doré and Rego, alongside classical art, folk traditions and ex-votos. These diverse languages all share a powerful narrative drive that deeply guides my ceramics.

Sgraffito is an ancient yet contemporary technique. Designs emerge by carving into clay rather than adding matter. This slow, irreversible process requires absolute precision, feeling much like intaglio engraving, where every permanent stroke matters. I love this physical depth of lines being deeply excavated instead of just drawn on top.

I love building narrative worlds filled with characters, symbols and details that invite deep exploration. I enjoy creating dense imagery where viewers discover new details and layers every time, blending recognisable elements with surreal or symbolic hints to spark personal interpretations.

Narrative is central to my work. Each piece builds an open structure blending myths, autobiographical memories and personal symbols. Recently, I have started mixing daily experiences with folklore. My artworks become a diary where collective and intimate stories meet, offering multiple layers for viewers to explore.

Clara Holt

Ceramic decorator

Milan, Italy

ADDRESS

Address upon request, Milan, Italy

AVAILABILITY

By appointment only

LANGUAGES

Italian, English, Spanish

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