about me
Caitlin McIver is a Seattle-based ceramic sculpture artist. She was raised in Tampa, Florida, and has explored creativity and physicality through various forms. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to receive a master of industrial design degree from Pratt Institute. She practiced in industrial design in New York City for a few years before deciding to pursue fine art. After moving to Seattle, she began taking ceramics classes at Seward Park Clay Studio and has recently returned as a Resident Artist. She now works full-time in ceramics as a studio tech, instructor, and artist.
artist statement
The world is often seen in black and white, good and evil. In actuality, there are shades of gray and contrasting attributes can be contained the same person, the same action, the same thought. There is both strength and vulnerability arising from releasing control. An act of protection can be seen as an act of aggression by another.
Caitlin employs a variety of visual elements to convey these themes of gradation and duality in the human experience. Features such as claws, stingers, and luminescent lures serve as metaphors for protection and aggression—how safeguarding oneself can sometimes harm others. Natural elements, such as floral and animal features, represent the innate quality of these characteristics. In each piece, there variety of colors and finishes to represent coexistence of multitudes. For example, raw clay, matte teal, gloss brown and blue, lustrous gold, and mottled ochre in Fertility/Defense #1 come together to make a cohesive unit that has both tension and harmony. The otherworldly, alien-like forms represent the unknown, which evoke curiosity about the potential to be positive, negative, or anywhere in between.
Caitlin believes that by confronting the multitudes inherent in the human experience, she can process and release the complex feelings she has. Her goal is to offer a physical manifestation of these internal struggles, and by doing so encourage others to express themselves more freely. For Caitlin, embracing diverse facets of life is essential to her well-being and hopes to bring about that acceptance in others.
teaching philosophy
In her role as a ceramics educator, Caitlin further channels her perspective of artistic freedom and intuitive creativity. She is a firm believer in creating a nurturing space for students' exploration. This translates into providing open-ended projects and offering support when students seek assistance. Her pedagogical philosophy centers around the idea that true learning occurs through hands-on experience, fostering self-driven motivation as students work towards achieving their individual goals.
To view past design work, click here.