Mankind has always used art as a mirror, an effort to understand ourselves and the world around us. This method of storytelling has emerged not only from the remarkable, but from the quiet fabric of daily life. Here, meaning is woven through routine, relationships, and memory. This is the foundation of my artistic practice. I explore what it means to be human by bridging the self to the collective, whether through family dynamics, the idea of home, or the complexities of relationships.
Animals, rich in historic symbolism, offer endless creative potential as subjects. They become characters in a narrative, their roles shaped by their place in our lore. Inspired by the close observation of naturalist drawings, I blend the precision of scientific study with the warmth of portraiture. I draw from the Alaskan landscapes around me, placing special emphasis on how color supports narrative role to connect symbolism and environment.
Clay allows me to recreate these landscapes with texture, achieving dimensional presence and movement. Glazes add further depth, emulating natural light and atmosphere, emphasizing what’s organic and symbolic. Placing these subjects in compositions on the wall elevates them and further evokes spiritual imagery. Their floating positions reinforce that they belong to a world adjacent to our own, blurring the line between reality and fantasy, story and truth.
At the heart of my work lies both a simple curiosity and deep reverence for human nature. I’m fascinated by how symbolism and material blend through creation to reflect our understanding of belonging within the broader web of life. Through these parallels, I invite viewers to explore the unseen threads that tie us to the natural world and each other.
Kendra Harvey is a ceramic sculptor born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She earned her BFA in ceramics from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2018, before expanding her practice through a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Colorado Boulder and an internship at the renowned Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana.
Now based back in her home state, she works at the Anchorage Museum while continuing to develop her sculptural work. Her practice reflects a deep connection to animal forms, using them to investigate how lore is created as a reaction to the natural world.
Outside of the studio, she enjoys exploring the beautiful landscapes of Alaska, practicing martial arts, and spending time with her family and dogs.