Fascinated with the human form, sculptor Lisa Hilton creates figures in clay that explore emotions and relationships. See more of her portfolio on her website.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Finding-Balance-III-e-clay-sculpture-with-painted-wood-base-15x13x9.5.jpg)
“Finding Balance III e” clay sculpture with painted wood base, 15″ x 13″ x 9.5″
My route to becoming a clay sculptor has been long and circuitous. I’ve been compelled to create in a visually artistic way since as far back as I can remember. Because I was good at math, I studied and worked in the actuarial field. That choice, although gratifying on many levels, didn’t address an unarticulated, deep-seated need.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Moment-of-Balance-clay-sculpture-9x5x3.5.jpg)
“Moment of Balance” clay sculpture, 9″ x 5″ x 3.5″
When my husband and I decided to start our family, I threw all my energy into the domestic endeavor. I particularly focus on educating, cooking, gardening, decorating, sewing and volunteering.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-On-My-Mind-clay-sculpture-14x11x6.jpg)
“On My Mind” clay sculpture, 14″ x 11″ x 6″
When my children were in high school, I contemplated my next steps. Of all the possible choices, art was the only one that reached into my soul. I returned to college and earned my BFA. Touching clay felt like coming home.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Inner-Power-clay-sculpture-14.jpg)
“Inner Power” clay sculpture, 14″ x 4″ x 3″
Although I enjoyed all the other mediums, I felt a different connection to the clay. Its various stages of development provide an endless array of challenges.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Help-on-the-Curve-clay-sculpture-15x6.5x6.5.jpg)
“Help on the Curve” clay sculpture, 15″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″
People are complex creatures. Each individual has a unique combination of characteristics related to talent, virtue, motivation, belief and fear. Added to these innate qualities are familial, educational and cultural influences. I am fascinated by the complicated interaction of these various parts.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Finding-Balance-I-e-clay-sculpture-with-painted-wood-base-13.5x10x6.jpg)
“Finding Balance I e” clay sculpture with painted wood base, 13.5″ x 10″ x 6″
I am awed by the infinite possibilities for an individual person’s interior thoughts, reactions and perceptions. When I add multiple individuals together, the magnitude of possibilities is beyond my imagining.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Shaping-One-Another-clay-sculpture-with-painted-wood-base-14x13.5x5.5.jpg)
“Shaping One Another” clay sculpture with painted wood base, 14″ x 13.5″ x 5″
I am fascinated by human body language and love to discover how gesture impacts a viewer’s perception of a piece. I’m enthralled by texture and spend a great deal of time experimenting with different methods of creating it. I want surface variation and texture to be expressive avenues for depicting the layers of complexity and depth inherent in every person.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Finding-Balance-III-c-clay-sculpture-12x8.25x2.jpg)
“Finding Balance III c” clay sculpture, 12″ x 8.25″ x 2″
My sculptures are built hollow from small slab parts that are pieced together. I refine each work with additive and reductive alterations. Because I do not utilize an armature, I must be careful to support the piece during drying and firing to control large cracks, loss of parts and warping in undesired ways.
![figurative clay sculpture by Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Hilton-Finding-Balance-Through-Lifes-Curves-1.d-clay-sculpture-11x11x6.5.jpg)
“Finding Balance Through Life’s Curves” clay sculpture, 11″ x 11″ x 6.5″
As protection against these challenges, I form clay supports that are discarded when firing is complete. After the bisque firing to 1850° F, a variety of finishes are applied. After the application of each finish, the piece is fired again, usually to 2170° F.
![Artist Lisa Hilton](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Artist-Lisa-Hilton.jpeg)
Artist Lisa Hilton
It takes an average of four firings to achieve the final outcome. I believe that a focus on the medium with an eye toward experimentation is essential in the process of my work. I am continually learning from the clay.
Artist Lisa Hilton invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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