Suggestions
Natalie Blake
Bringing the healing power of art to public spaces
Natalie Blake is a distinguished ceramic artist and co-owner of Fire Arts Vermont, located in Brattleboro, Vermont. With over 25 years of experience in the ceramic arts, she has developed a thriving studio that specializes in large public art installations and residential projects, particularly in sculptural tile. Her work has evolved to include dynamic, textured tiles and pods, creating new possibilities for large-scale art.12
Blake began her professional career after winning the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship in Ceramics in 1994, which allowed her to study with indigenous artists around the world. This experience significantly influenced her artistic direction, leading her to create a unique line of carved vessels and hand-sculpted tiles. Her work has been showcased in notable art shows, including the Smithsonian Craft Show.24
At Fire Arts Vermont, she collaborates with fellow artist Randi Solin, focusing on both glass and ceramic arts. The facility not only serves as a gallery but also offers open studio experiences where visitors can engage with the artistic process and see the creation of art firsthand.13