I was born in Poland, studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and lived with my family in Israel, Tanzania, Peru and now in the United States. Each place has left a profound impression on my life, my outlook and my artistic taste.

My fascination with clay began in Peru at the studios of Felix Oliva and Carlos Bernasconi, two important Peruvian artists. They taught me the basic techniques and encouraged me to use my imagination to give form to my view of life. While in Peru I had the opportunity to study Peruvian pre-colombian art and my work is strongly influenced by the naive but powerful way it expresses the human condition.

After moving to the United States I took further ceramics workshops and classes to improve my technical capabilities, then became interested in bronze, stone and glass. Each medium requires specific techniques but allows me to expand my horizons.

I am a member of the Palo Alto Gallery House and Gallery 9 of Los Altos, where I present my work, hold individual shows and participate in group shows.

I have participated in many exhibitions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Pola Harrel