Clay Masks and Sculpture

Lillian Pitt creates clay masks and sculptures depicting Native American symbols

Clay masks were my first works of art, and I still create clay masks today. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to get my hands working in clay.

I’m a “Native American” artist, but I love the idea of working in contemporary media. I work in many different types of media, but as for the type of clay I work in, I work with raku, anagama, and porcelain.

I feel totally at one with the story I want to tell when I develop a clay mask or sculpture. And I can actually feel the emotions of the pieces when I work on them.  I feel the conflicts, the joys, the sorrows and the awe — all of these feelings can come out when I create clay masks or sculptures. They each take on their own unique identity, and I get attached to each and every piece.

I don’t create as many clay masks and sculptures as I used to, because I’m older now, and working in clay is very hard work. So many of the masks I make today are what I call “mini” masks. Sometimes I make them so that people can wear them as jewelry, other times I make them so people can hang them in groups on their walls.

—Lillian Pitt

Clay masks and sculptures depicting Native American symbols …

Clay Masks Gallery

 

Clay Masks (Miniatures) Gallery

 
See Other Art from Lillian Pitt:

Lillian Pitt still creates clay masks and sculptures, though she balances her time working in clay with other media she works in. She also works in media including bronze, jewelry, glass and mixed media.