Hope Redden
Bio
Hope Redden is an artist specializing in ceramics and functional art. Throughout her academic career, she has received multiple awards at Delta State University Student Shows, celebrating her technical skill and innovative approach to pottery. Beyond her academic achievements, Hope gained professional experience as a pottery specialist in a Columbus, Georgia studio, refining her craft and building advanced ceramic skills. Hope’s work highlights the tactile essence of materials, seamlessly merging form and function to craft pieces that are both visually compelling and meticulously made. She has recently completed her studies at Delta State University and has achieved her BFA in ceramics. Currently, Hope resides in Columbus, Georgia, as a pottery specialist for Britt David Studios.
Artist Statement
What draws me to ceramics is how it combines beauty with practicality. Pottery can be both decorative and functional in everyday life, and I find great joy in the balance between the two. I prefer to create functional pottery with a decorative side rather than it being just sculptural or decorative. The process itself is incredibly hands-on and satisfying—from sitting at the wheel to shaping the clay, glazing, and firing it in the kiln. It’s a therapeutic experience for me that helps me stay grounded and connected to my work. I’ve always been a hands-on person and ceramics allows me to express myself while maintaining that tactile connection. The act of creating pottery brings me a sense of calm and that peace is reflected in my work. My pieces are meant to be used over time and it’s through that use that the deeper meaning of the work unfolds.
My connection to ceramics stems from growing up in a military family, where constant relocation shaped my perspective and identity. Frequent moves across the U.S. and abroad exposed me to diverse cultures but also brought instability and anxiety. Amid this change, I found peace in two places: nature and art. Ceramics became a grounding force. The hands-on process demands presence and reflection, offering both freedom and responsibility. Mistakes in the studio have become moments of growth, teaching me resilience and patience. This creative process is also deeply spiritual for me. Working with clay connects me to the intentional beauty of God’s creation. Shaping raw earth into something new reminds me that, just as I form the clay, I too am being formed. Ceramics is not just a medium—it is a way I navigate change, express faith, and discover who I am.
When creating my work, I begin by throwing on the wheel, always with a subject or idea in mind. However, I remain open to letting the clay guide me, allowing my intuition to shape the piece as I go. I follow the energy of the moment, embracing flexibility in the creative process. My work often draws inspiration from nature, whether through wildlife or plant life. These themes serve as a focal point, but I am not bound by strict rule. For me, art is a space for experimentation—where mistakes become opportunities for learning and growth. It is in this freedom that my creativity thrives.
Exhibitions
