A cooperative sale featuring talented local artists

Colleen Riley

My work captures and reveals the patterns and textures of my rural landscape. Each piece chronicles the seasonal cycles of growth and decay, as observed through a carpet of leaves in the woods or the contours of a freshly plowed field, serving as a reminder that our environment is constantly changing, yet resilient.

My formal education is in journalism and graphic design. This compels me to record my interactions with my surroundings. Pivotal family relationships also play a strong role in my narrative. My mother was an accomplished seamstress and musician. At an early age I became intrigued by the designs of the patterns and fabrics she used. My own studies of music imprinted a sense of cadence and harmony. My father was an exuberant craftsman in many disciplines, who taught me to appreciate the beauty of good design, such as the Airstream trailer and an anvil storm cloud. These influences have made their way into my work.

I strive to make functional pieces that are elegant, yet comfortable for use and inviting to the touch. My work celebrates the historic ceramic tradition of employing decorative botanical themes, while making an intimate connection to my surroundings. The raw piece serves as a canvas to explore imagery, layers, textures and color.