The Making of Clementine Hunter Ceramics

In the six years it took to design the Clementine Hunter Collection, we struggled with how to take 2 dimensional art and make it 3 dimensional. Initially, we experimented using decals and felt like it took away from Clementine Hunter’s artwork. It was ultimately decided that recreating Clementine Hunter’s artwork on ceramics needed  to be 100% hand-made.  Our artisans tried hand-painting on the surface of various shaped ceramic serving pieces and bowls.  The result was that the pieces were flat and the movement in Clementine Hunter’s artwork was still missing.   Finally, after multiple iterations, we determined that if “relief” (a textured surface) was added to each piece, you could not only see the movement in each of Clementine Hunter’s paintings but feel it it as well.  While the process would be more difficult to execute, the end result was worth it.  

Our sculptors began by adding relief to each piece during the molding process.  Next each piece is fired through the kiln and sent to our meticulous  team of artisans to hand-paint those things Clementine Hunter loved and observed during her life on Melrose Plantation. Once the piece is hand-painted, it is fired again.  It is at this stage a final glaze is added to make the ceramic object water tight and food safe.   Finally, the ceramics are taken out of the kiln, inspected for any potential defects, and placed in a blue colored gift box with Clementine Hunter’s famous CH signature on top.  Each hand-made ceramic is delicately placed in form-fitted styrofoam inside of the gift box to insure safe delivery.  Next, an insert containing Clementine Hunter’s biography along with a picture of each of the 15 styles from the Clementine Hunter Collection is placed in each gift box.  Each gift box is finally placed inside a brown reshipper box.

Each piece has its own distinctive shape.  No two pieces are exactly alike.   Hang them on your wall, display them on your bookshelf, use them as a centerpiece for your table or make them your favorite serving pieces for any occasion.

Clementine Hunter painted about what plantation life was like in the rural south prior to mechanization coming to agriculture.  Our objective in creating the Clementine Hunter Collection was to take artwork which was once affordable and make it affordable again so that others could enjoy a piece of American history.

We are very humbled and honored that our Clementine Hunter Ceramics have been featured in O Magazine (Oprah’s Favorite Things), Entertainment Tonight, USA Today, Huffington Post and The Antiques Road Show to name a few.  

We hope you will enjoy these collector quality ceramic works of art for many years to come.