From Clay to Paper: The Evolving Practice of Anne Hirondelle
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Anne Hirondelle in her studio. Photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]
Arts reporting by Carolyn Lewis
Step through the garden gate into Anne Hirondelle’s world, and it becomes immediately clear that her life is one of thoughtful arrangement and intentional beauty. A stroll around her lush, meticulously kept garden sets the tone—a prelude to the calm and quiet discipline that continues into her studio and home. Everywhere you look, there is a sense of order, of design, of care. Hirondelle refers to herself as an “arranger,” and the description couldn’t be more fitting.
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Different eras of Hirondelle’s work [/caption]
Her studio, clean and tidy, is a study in precision. Past works are displayed around the space. There are early ceramic vessels in varying forms, from functional shapes to the more abstract. Some are finished in bold glazes, others left bare in white, unglazed stoneware. Each body of work represents a distinct phase in a lifelong dialogue with form and material.
Initially known for her innovative clay vessels, Hirondelle has more recently taken a surprising and compelling turn in her practice. In what began as an exploratory step—creating small maquettes out of tracing paper to inform her sculpture—Hirondelle found a new medium altogether. The tracing paper works, delicate and architectural, now stand alone as art objects.
Working vertically and layering translucent sheets, she draws with graphite and colored pencil, folding and re-folding the paper into precise configurations. The fragile material demands patience and attention. Its quiet, almost invisible lines reflect the kind of focused, meditative labor that seems to suit Hirondelle perfectly. “I’m always open to experimentation,” she says, and indeed, there are moments of unexpected play in the work.
A walk through her home is like stepping into a living gallery. Artwork from friends and fellow artists is carefully placed alongside her own. Everything feels like it has a reason. Her surroundings are not just beautiful—they are composed.
Late last year, her colorful piece, "Abouturn Grid," was purchased by Centrum in Port Townsend and can be viewed there. It is composed of eight wall-mounted forms in fired stoneware and paint. The Judith Reinhart Gallery in Seattle currently represents her and is hoping for a show in 2026.
Though her work has been exhibited nationally and is included in many museum collections, Hirondelle’s home studio feels like the heart of her creative life. There’s a quiet fulfillment in this space—a sense that this is where she’s meant to be, surrounded by calm, order, and the endless potential of form. If you should have the opportunity to visit Hirondelle yourself, you will be delighted by the beautiful surroundings, lovely conversation and a nice cup of tea.
View Hirondelle's work on her website at www.annehirondelle.com or swing by Centrum and see it in person.
Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder happily living and volunteering in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group on Facebook at Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @linalewisart
