About Cali
My work represents explorations of nature and landscape. Some pieces are intended to depict a macro or expansive view across a marsh or coastline, and some are a more micro perspective of the forest floor. These landscapes are inspired by places I have loved my whole life in southeastern Massachusetts. I primarily create work in clay on a potter’s wheel and embrace the challenge of creating simple forms in clay, particularly vessels, platters, and tiles and then exploring more expressive surfaces. I play with slips, glazes, resists, printing, pouring, and even finger painting to achieve results. Some of my work reveals recognizable images and patterns from the landscape while others are more abstracted.
I studied ceramics in both undergrad and graduate schools and have taught in high school and community art spaces for over 2 decades. I have worked in and supported a number of arts, educational, and social justice organizations over the years and brings a lens of community and connection to my work. My pieces can be seen at a variety of arts festivals and galleries.
Cali Almy is the featured ceramics artist and educator on the Worcester Center for Crafts website in this video created by marketing agency, Koda Creative. Cali is currently the studio manager at the Crafts Center as well as a practicing artist.
Mission, Vision, Story
Recently I was walking in the woods with my family. It was a beautiful summer day and the spotty drizzle was refreshing as we crossed through the low growth forest and onto the salt marsh. Along the way I found a pine cone lying in the middle of the path. I picked it up and held it in the palm of my hand, enjoying the slight curve of its form, its rich green color and tightly knit pattern of scales: just the sort of object I would bring into my studio as a source of inspiration. As I continued along the trail, it occurred to me that what felt like something to take and keep for my own was also a seed that if left in this space could become a tree for many others. So instead I said a little wish for the pine cone and tossed it back into the woods.
