Chris LaValley

Bio

Chris LaValley is a multidisciplinary artist based in Kansas City, working primarily in painting, collage, and ceramics. Her practice is rooted in exploration, constantly evolving as she experiments with new materials and methods. 

Chris has exhibited her work in numerous shows both in Kansas City and throughout the United States. She holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the Kansas City Art Institute (1989) and an MA in Art Education, with a minor in Ceramics, from the University of New Mexico. 

In addition to her studio work, Chris has been a dedicated high school art educator for over 27 years, teaching painting and ceramics and inspiring the next generation of artists. 

Artist Statement

My work is rooted in an intuitive process, where forms emerge through layers of experimentation and reflection. Whether working with paint, collage, or clay, I am drawn to the rhythms of nature and the meditative space that making invites. Creation for me is a dynamic dialogue-between material and gesture, between spontaneity and structure. 

In my ceramic practice, I often use the traditional Japanese technique of kurinuki, a subtractive method of hollowing out a solid block of clay. This process appeals to my love of discovery, as each piece reveals itself through carving and shaping, rather than planning. I'm especially fascinated by the way surface facets catch light and shadow, giving each form a sense of quiet movement and energy. 

In contrast, my two-dimensional work operates in a more intentional and contemplative frame of mind. There, I explore symmetry, pattern, and sacred geometry-composing with precision to reflect a sense of balance and inner harmony. These works are often built through layered processes, allowing forms to slowly emerge through color, repetition, and subtle variation. 

Ultimately, my practice is about presence-being fully engaged in the process and inviting viewers into that same space of stillness, curiosity, and connection.

Exhibitions