Lore

Why "Hart & Dagger?"

Because daggers make really good trimming tools. ;)

I'm Crystal Hart, and this is my journey of going back to my roots, and revisiting an art form that brought me a lot of joy in my early youth.

As a poor kid growing up in the appalachian foothills of KY, when I discovered clay I began to realize I could make beauty and finery all on my own, and a whole world of possibility opened up.  It became apparent that I could create tools, decor, and functional pieces that were exactly to my taste and style. It was then that I began to feel a sense of empowerment and validity in my identity.

I feel deeply connected to the magic of the Earth and the web of life/death when I have my hands in clay. Even though I am now an Ohioan, I still use clay exclusively from the Bluegrass State and I feel tethered to my ancestors through this art form. The presence of the other elements of air, fire, water, and spirit in the creation of pottery is also undeniable and helps me feel a sense of reverence in every piece I create.

More About Me:

• I am a self-taught potter. Beyond learning the basics in highschool and taking a few ceramic classes in adulthood, most of what I've learned comes from watching countless YouTube tutorials and asking questions on ceramics groups.
• I worked as a professional cake decorator for seven years, eventually owning my own at-home cake business called Hart and Batter. A lot of what I learned during that time easily translates to my pottery journey.
• I am a pagan witch living in the red state of Ohio. I enjoy creating functional pieces that can be used in ritual and spellwork.
• Stylistically, my pottery is a combination of bright colors and dark themes. If Tim Burton and Lisa Frank got together, my art would be their lovechild. :)