Clay and Connection - The Pottery Journey of Lucy De Barto

Clear Lake, Iowa to Portsmouth, NH — For ceramic artist Lucy De Barto, clay isn't just a material; it's a means of healing, connection, and creative expression.

“I did some pottery with Parks and Rec earlier in life,” Lucy says. “Then I got back into art in college after a couple of setbacks. I took a class just to center myself again, and I fell in love with it all over.”

From her home town Clear Lake to Portsmouth, Lucy has pursued ceramics as both a craft and a deeply personal outlet. After earning her bachelor’s degree in ceramic sculpture, she continued exploring clay not just as a medium, but as a way to reconnect with herself and others.

“Not having something to make is detrimental.”

Pottery plays a vital role in Lucy’s life.

“It gets me out, gets me having conversations with people, and gives me the ability to create, which is something I need,” she says.

Emotion Shapes the Clay

Her creative process is intuitive and mood-driven.

“Sometimes I’m in a spicy mood, so I make something spicy,” she laughs. “Other times, someone’s asked me to make something specific, and I do my best. And sometimes, what I make is just what I make. If it fails, that’s fine.”

Though she enjoys wheel-throwing, sculpting is where her passion lies, particularly animals and human figures.

“I love sculpting horses. If I haven’t sculpted in a while, that’s usually where I start.”

She describes her style as representational but not hyperrealistic. “I’m a big-picture sculptor,” she says. “I struggle with the minor details. I’m not the type to sculpt every vein in a horse’s leg.”

The Joy of Building

Lucy gravitates toward additive sculpture techniques, building forms by adding material, rather than carving them away. “I don’t think I’d do well with stone carving, one mistake and you’re done. That’s why I love clay. You can slap another piece on and try again.”

Failure, to her, is part of the learning process.

“Don’t let your failures limit you. Sometimes the best way to learn is by pushing things too far and seeing where they break.”

That mindset has been hard-earned. For years, she struggled with the pressure to avoid mistakes. “I was failing at a lot of things in life, so I didn’t want to fail at art too. But coming back to the wheel and making a bowl I was happy with, that was healing.”

Creative Community Matters

While she once owned her own home studio and kiln, Lucy found she rarely used them.

“The social aspect is huge for me,” she says. “Making with others, getting feedback, sharing experiences, that’s everything.”

Studios that encourage open creativity, conversation, and learning are where Lucy thrives.

“Studios are more than spaces, they’re conversations.”

She’s now focused on honing her wheel-throwing techniques, continuing to challenge herself while staying grounded in the joy of making. Her advice to new ceramicists?

“It’s just dirt. Get dirty. Not every piece needs to be a keeper.”