Valerie Bjork Schnaufer

Valerie Bjork Schnaufer’s ceramic work begins with forms found in nature. During days spent hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina and combing the beaches of Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Bahamas, she collects from nature, treasures that continue to fascinate her for their form, beauty or unusual characteristics.

These forms often cause Valerie to take a second look, wanting to further explore their qualities and uniqueness. She treasures these gifts and begins to construct a "home" of sorts from slab so that the observer may enjoy the form as well as the dwelling in which they reside. Just as in nature, no two are alike. She is continually drawn to the elements of nature, the surprises and the ever changing qualities that exist. Time spent exploring the outside world transcends into Valerie’s life, her studio and her work. It is responsible for her creative process in clay.