Hilary Forge

Available at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton & Calgary

My work is, naturally, a reflection of my surroundings. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta I am most at home with mountains on one side of me and prairies on the other.

I have enjoyed the artistic process since I was young, but put my art on hold while I pursued an engineering career. I returned not only to drawing and painting, but also took up wheel-thrown ceramics, exploring the joys and agonies of electric, gas, and wood-firing. Mostly self-taught, I have benefitted from many workshops and presentations from a wide variety of ceramic and 2D artists.

Having now moved out of the big city to west-central Alberta, I can honestly say that I don’t think there is more amazing scenery anywhere. After much planning and hard labour, I have a fabulous full ceramic studio in our barn where I spend an inordinate amount of time. The views and the light are perfect and when I need a break, a walk up the hill behind the barn usually gets me going on another project!

When I'm not at my wheel or my glazing table, I can be found drawing or painting. I work in watercolours, chalk pastels, and acrylics, depending largely on the subject matter.

“Being able to combine my love for drawing and painting with the clay process to produce functional pieces of art makes my heart sing!”