Haley Askling creates richly symbolic ceramic works that merge folk art, mythology, devotional imagery, and storytelling into vibrant hand-painted compositions.
Haley Askling creates hand-painted ceramic works inspired by folklore, mythology, devotional symbolism, and decorative traditions, blending craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling.
Through carefully crafted stoneware sculptures, shrines, and tile murals, Askling transforms traditional symbols into contemporary narratives exploring grief, wonder, protection, and transformation. Lacrymaria Olor, The Cosmos, and Feeling Lucky each draw upon centuries of visual symbolism while maintaining a distinctly personal voice, inviting viewers into imaginative worlds where sacred hearts, celestial creatures, and woodland guardians become timeless expressions of hope and resilience.
Lacrymaria Olor, Haley Askling, 2026, mixed media stoneware, 22 x 16 in. / 55.88 x 40.64 cm.
Lacrymaria Olor ("Tears of the Swan") reimagines the traditional devotional shrine through a deeply personal exploration of grief and emotional transformation. At its center, a pierced sacred heart bleeds beneath the watchful presence of a swan, a longstanding symbol of purity, devotion, and spiritual transition. Hand-painted flowers, stars, and flowing tears surround the central imagery, creating a harmonious balance between sorrow and beauty. The hinged shrine format encourages intimate viewing, reinforcing the work's contemplative nature while referencing religious altarpieces and folk traditions. Askling's bold colors, decorative motifs, and meticulous craftsmanship transform symbols of vulnerability into a celebration of resilience, suggesting that tenderness itself can become a source of strength.
The Cosmos, Haley Askling, 2025, stoneware tile, 26 x 18 in. / 66.04 x 45.72 cm.
In The Cosmos, Askling expands her storytelling into a celestial landscape centered on a magnificent unicorn surrounded by stars, comets, and swirling decorative forms. Constructed from individually painted ceramic tiles, the mural celebrates both the historical tradition of decorative tilework and the enduring appeal of mythological imagery. The segmented surface creates subtle visual rhythms while emphasizing the unity of the larger composition. Brilliant blues, radiant golds, and vibrant reds establish a luminous atmosphere that evokes wonder and imagination. Rather than presenting fantasy as escapism, Askling uses the unicorn and cosmic setting to explore curiosity, possibility, and the timeless human desire to envision worlds beyond ordinary experience.
Feeling Lucky, Haley Askling, 2026, stoneware, 13 x 19 in. / 33.02 x 48.26 cm.
Feeling Lucky draws upon folk traditions of protective symbolism through the image of a rabbit framed within an eight-pointed star. Surrounded by clovers, thistle blossoms, and celestial accents, the composition weaves together symbols associated with fortune, resilience, and natural harmony. The wall sconce format allows the piece to function as both sculpture and decorative object, echoing historical domestic ceramics that blended beauty with symbolic meaning. Askling's playful yet carefully balanced composition invites viewers to consider luck not simply as chance, but as an expression of hope, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world. Through crisp linework, vibrant colors, and handcrafted detail, the work celebrates the quiet rituals that bring comfort and optimism into everyday life.
Across Lacrymaria Olor, The Cosmos, and Feeling Lucky, Haley Askling demonstrates how contemporary ceramics can bridge personal storytelling with centuries-old visual traditions. Drawing from folklore, sacred symbolism, mythology, and decorative arts, her work transforms ceramic surfaces into immersive narratives filled with emotional depth and imaginative possibility. Rich craftsmanship, vibrant color, and carefully chosen symbols unite these works into a cohesive exploration of healing, wonder, and spiritual connection. Together, they reveal Askling's ability to create objects that feel simultaneously timeless, intimate, and joyfully alive.