Muriel Hansen

Bio

Muriel Hansen is a ceramic artist, nature enthusiast, and avid reader. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Muriel received their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Art History from the Kansas City Art Institute (2019). In 2019, they were awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Studies Scholarship, allowing them the opportunity to study ceramics and architectural history at the International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary. Today, they create functional pottery as Honey & Luster, focusing on providing high-quality, handmade objects for the home. Muriel is an active member of Cherry Pit Collective and works as an fine art preparator for some of Kansas City’s most acclaimed art museums and galleries.

Artist Statement

Created by coiling and pinching clay into shape, I explore forms that celebrate the unique character of each work. Delicate yet sturdy, my works emphasize the physicality of their construction. Often referencing textures and forms found in nature, I use simple, pleasing patterns and motifs to convey a sense of comfort and wanderlust. My work seeks to inspire contemplation while enriching the livelihood of its users. Our homes become the physical embodiment of our individual values and monuments to personal identity. The places we inhabit are vessels for self-expression and are often our most intimate and private spaces. The objects we place within our homes can reflect and reinforce who we are and who we wish to become, allowing us to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. My work attempts to be a celebration of self–a reminder to slow down and enjoy the present, the people around us, and the spaces we reside in.