Valerie Bjork Schnaufer
Valerie Bjork Schnaufer is a contemporary ceramic artist whose work is deeply rooted in the natural world. Her creative process begins outdoors—hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina and combing the beaches of Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, Bahamas—where she collects organic forms that spark her imagination. Stones, shells, seed pods, driftwood, and other found objects become the inspiration for her sculptural ceramic pieces. Their beauty, structure, and unusual characteristics continue to fascinate her, prompting closer study and artistic interpretation.
Each discovery compels Valerie to take a second look, exploring its contours, textures, and inherent uniqueness. These “treasures” from nature serve as catalysts for her clay work, where she constructs a protective “home” or vessel for each form using carefully built slabs. This concept of shelter allows observers not only to appreciate the natural object itself, but also the architectural dwelling she creates around it. Just as in nature, no two pieces are ever alike. Every sculpture honors the individuality of the found form and reflects Valerie’s intuitive response to it.
The elements of the natural world—its surprises, its cycles, and its constant state of change—continue to draw her in. Time spent exploring the outdoors directly informs her studio practice, shaping both her aesthetic and her process. Valerie’s ceramic work becomes a tangible translation of her experiences in nature, merging organic inspiration with thoughtful craftsmanship. Her pieces celebrate the connection between environment and art, inviting viewers to slow down, observe more closely, and appreciate the extraordinary details hidden in everyday natural objects.
Schnaufer’s dedication to observing, collecting, and reinterpreting nature gives her work a distinctive voice within contemporary ceramics. Through form, structure, and the tactile quality of clay, she creates sculptural works that honor the beauty of the natural world while offering a contemplative, intimate experience for the viewer.
