Welcome to my Ceramic Arts page.
Although I’ve been a painter and illustrator for many years, two years ago I was inspired to create three dimensional forms as an extension and expansion of my work. As many people say, ceramics is addictive! So I find myself fully embracing this remarkable medium. In the current political climate, I’ve discovered that my ceramic work is often social in nature, what I term “political pottery” or “social ceramics”. As a longtime activist and labor organizer, it feels natural to allow some of my ceramic work, and my sculptures specifically, to go in that direction. My ideas emerge as a build the piece, only the construction is carefully plotted to ensure a stable result.
We Have Questions
“We Have Questions”
Erin FitzGerald, 2026
This sculpture was influenced by the current political climate, questioning the anti-immigrant policies of the current U.S. administration. The style of the piece draws from Parisian graffiti and street graphics, as well as from my work as a poet and writer. The daisies in my work are reminiscent of stickers my mother put on our childhood furniture, and to my mind signify hope…some innocence that survives amidst the chaos.
15” tall by 10” wide handbuilt ceramic sculpture in Speckled Buff clay, underglaze paint and pastels. Clear glaze, fired to cone 6.
We Have Questions, side 2
This is the reverse side of the three dimensional sculpture We Have Questions. The piece is a supported box-like construction with sgraffito carvings. Designs linger on the edges, including a dinosaur asking, “Are we OK?”
I think of my work as both rough and raw, as well as precise and balanced.
“We Who Believe in Justice”
Erin FitzGerald, 2025
The colors blue and red, a call to “heal the great divide,” and a call for justice, are all part of this sculpture. With arms that both cradle and cage, I am commenting on the distressing cruelty of current immigration policies that include rounding up hardworking people who’ve done nothing illegal. Inside the bars (see details below) is a small incarcerated figure. The sculpture is in the form of a silouette of an eagle’s head with open mouth, one side red, one side blue. This sculpture, like other of my sculptures, has a “holster” at the bottom with the image of an all-seeing eye. Can we see ourselves? Do we want to?
14” wide by 10” tall slab-constructed, with underglaze, glaze, clear glaze, on Speckled Buff clay, fired to cone 6.
The Betrayal
Erin FitzGerald, 2024
This piece expresses the heartbreak of betrayal, and the transitions one goes through in the process of healing from betrayal. The little bird, flowers, and fish offer hope from the devastation, while the reverse draws on painting and abstraction to convey both the rage and the tears struggling with each other.
The Betrayal
Side Two
The struggle between tears and rage when processing a profound betrayal. The piece is a 15” tall by 11” wide slab box constructed and sculpted of Speckled Buff clay with internal supports, sgraffito/carving, clear glaze, fired to Cone 6.
Works in Progress and smaller works
I am currently working on a “Jar of Tears” with a lid to contain the tears so many of us are shedding during the current administration. I sometimes write poetry or lines of poetry when I’m building my ceramic pieces, and I’ve written part of a poem on the inside lid of the jar. It says, “Store your tears here, lest we stab out our eyes, and mourning ruin us for the fight ahead. This is no time for crying to detain us. So store your tears here.” The Jar of Tears is coil constructed using Morrocan Sand clay. It is currently awaiting bisque fire.
I am also working on a ceramic sculpture titled “Are we all good?/don’t shoot” to honor Renee Good and others targeted by ICE.
I also produce small functional pieces - bowls, platters, ring dishes, cups, etc. Go to my contact page to inquire or call me directly at
707-342-9478.