For Maryland based artist Ciera Troy, sculpting has been a lifelong passion. The skill came naturally to her, as she found herself getting lost in the clay. After getting her degree in Art History, and continuing to practice and study ceramics and sculpting at the National Museum of African History, she realized she was drawn to creating, rather than curating other people’s work. Her mastery of clay is apparent in her anatomically realistic sculptures that explore sensory experiences and the human form.

Her visually impaired father has been a major influence in her work. Without being able to see her pieces, he explores them through touch. She wants for her viewers to explore every intentionally placed groove and indentation as if they were her father, getting to know the piece for the first time.