About

Hi, I’m Courtney Lockhart. I am the heart and soul behind Ona Vale.

I strive for simplicity in my life. I believe in finding the small moments of peace. Like in the humid breeze that comes right before a storm. Or in the boisterous laugh of my child. Often life gets more complicated than I prefer or can control. And so I try to focus on embracing simplicity in my studio work.  I have found fulfillment in the unassuming techniques of hand-building. I revel in the idea that a simple slab or coil of clay can convey my thoughts and feelings on what it means to be human and my journey through this mortal life.

I am inspired by the movement of wind and water. How they flow and move past obstacles in their way and yet they do not entirely yield to the environment. They are a contrast of opposites. On one side wind and water can be very gentle, benignly flowing past any obstacles. And on the opposite side of the spectrum they can be extremely destructive with violent removals of all obstacles that stand in the way. Flash floods and tornadoes are two quick examples. I believe that human beings are very similar, we sometimes float our way through life, very malleable and easily led. And sometimes we plow through life, no matter what stands in our way, in an attempt to achieve a particular goal or get to a specific destination. Neither is inherently right or wrong but well lived life requires a balance between the two, an equilibrium of harsh reality and graceful renewal. And in this equilibrium state of being is where extraordinary personal growth transpires and solidifies.

This is what I hope to achieve for myself personally and in my work. Thank you for your interest.