PIEDMONT, Calif. — After years of working in the legal field, Erin Hupp decided to transform her passion for ceramics from a pastime into a thriving studio. Her unique approach to showcasing her creations keeps her art captivating and dynamic.

“My journey began in a production studio, where I crafted identical pieces repeatedly. This experience inspired me to develop my artistic practice to defy monotony. Collaboration has been the natural and organic evolution of my work, breathing life into my creations by teaming up with other local artists,” explained Hupp, the visionary behind Erin Hupp Ceramics.

Through these collaborations, Hupp has partnered with jewelers, glassblowers, and restaurants, crafting innovative pieces that seamlessly blend aesthetics with utility.

“My focus is on functional ceramics, occupying that intriguing space between art and utility. Often, art is perceived as either purely aesthetic or purely functional. In galleries, art is visually stunning yet untouchable. I strive to bridge this divide, creating pieces that are both beautiful and serve a purpose,” Hupp elaborated.

Restaurants serve as a unique gallery for Hupp’s work, where her bespoke plates and dinnerware complement the culinary artistry of chefs. One such collaboration is with Californios, a renowned fine dining establishment in San Francisco.

“I design ceramics specifically tailored to the atmosphere of Californios. The chef aims to craft a narrative, with my art woven into that story. We’ve envisioned this concept akin to performance art, where I create the ceramics live in the restaurant’s courtyard as the chef presents a 12-course meal to the guests,” shared Hupp.

Guests can also eat off of her dinnerware and take one home. The goal is to create interactive experiences with dinner guests and feed her own aspirations for inspiration and functional artistry.

“I truly believe when people are fully in their creative self, whatever that means for them, they are happier and makes this life a little better. I hope that I inspire other people to follow their creativity in any small or large way that they can,” added Hupp.

Hupp continues to collaborate with local artists in and around the Bay Area.

To learn more visit Hupp’s website.