Ilena Lee Cramer

My pottery is meant to be touched. I hope it reminds the holder that it was once liquid, and that everything, including us, is holding a place somewhere between permanence and impermanence. At any moment we can slip back into the elements that we are made from: earth, air, fire, water.

When I was young someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up - I said “to live creatively”. I am still trying to figure out what I meant by that. I have been an artist all of my life, having the privilege of an amazing teacher and mentor in childhood. I have studied ballet in Russia during Perestroika, and pottery in the mountains of Mexico, received my degree in Alaska, and pulled pints down under. I am a theatre artist, a bartender, a traveler, a writer, a survivor and a witch. Most importantly I am a dedicated homemaker, partner, auntie and friend.