OLIVIA SHILRA is a ceramicist specializing in installation, sculpture, and pottery. Influenced by her upbringing in various countries, Olivia's creative journey has been enriched by a tapestry of cultural perspectives and captivating memories, shaping her unique artistic vision.
From her upbringing and formative years spent in diverse locations such as Korea, Colombia, Peru, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and her current home in the United States, Olivia developed an appreciation for the experiences and memories through repeated revisits of them.
Olivia's affinity for clay sparked during her time in Pucallpa, Peruvian Amazon, where she was captivated by the tactile nature of wild clay. Clay became her primary artistic language, enabling her to craft both functional wares and expressive sculptures. Her work delves into the fluidity of human perception, serving as a tangible expression of emotion and introspection.
A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art with a B.F.A. in Ceramics in 2010, Olivia further honed her craft at Cranbrook Academy of Art, earning her M.F.A. in Ceramics in 2016. Today, she continues her practice as both an artist and educator, sharing her passion for the medium with others.