Misha Malpica

I am a mixed media artist creating sculptures in high-fired clay with found objects, feathers and gemstones adorning each unique piece. Inspired by her new surroundings in North Carolina and in her years spent in the American Southwest, my color pallette consists of rich earth tones.

I’ve been sculpting in various mediums for over forty years and every creation is different. I create each sculpture one at a time and decorate them with feathers and vintage beads and other beautiful adornments. I can’t help myself, I just love the beauty of an iridescent pheasant feather, the sparkle of an old bead, the design of a button. Threads and fibers, ribbons and fringe, I add each element to make the sculpture unique.

Currently I am exploring clay. I am in love with the texture and versatility of clay. Holding my breath as I open the kiln, it’s like Christmas morning! My studio is brimming with paints and stains and feathers and furs and beads and found objects. My inspiration surrounds me.

Self taught in sculpture, I’ve created unique figures for over thirty years. My work has been exhibited in museums including the Hubbard Museum of the American West, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire and the Wenham Museum in Boston, Massachusetts.  I received the Mark Wroe Award of Excellence in Art by Thunderbird Artists of Arizona, and the Collector’s Award of Excellence in recognition for my Native American sculpture of Sacajawea.