Penny Michel

Penny Michel is ceramic sculptor, best known for her vessels, urns and figurative work. Her sculptures are big and bold integrating lines and color calling to mind ancient ruins; many of which are quite large and part of outdoor sculpture installations. Penny was born in Carthage, Tunisia and spent most of her childhood surrounded by Roman and Phoenician ruins. Her experiences in Carthage have had a profound influence on her work. She is very influenced by ancient cultures and civilizations, and her work tends to have an archaeological feel to it, as if unearthed. Her vessels often contain writing and hieroglyphics and her figurative sculptures are reminiscent of long lost icons and deities.

She works intuitively, sculpting with a very forgiving clay to create texture and movement. Her pieces always require multiple firings as she builds the surface with multiple glazes.

Penny has worked as a ceramic sculptor for over 35 years and has exhibited her work across the United States. She currently resides in Walla Walla, Washington.