about
Alissa Marie Dalles is a professional ceramic artist based in Hope, British Columbia. An honors graduate specializing in ceramics from Selkirk College/Kootney School of the Arts and a member of CARFAC BC, she operates Mystical Machinations Ceramics. Her practice blends handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques to create highly textured sculptural face pottery, intricate wall hanging masks, and functional wares. Deeply influenced by the natural heritage of the Pacific Northwest, her distinctive aesthetic combines dark cottagecore, bohemian, and vintage elements. Alissa frequently showcases her work at regional markets and cultural festivals, including the Great Northern Arts Festival in the Northwest Territories. Through her studio practice and interactive workshops, she explores the intersection of raw nature, folklore, and technical ceramic craftsmanship.
artist statement
My practice under Mystical Machinations Ceramics is an exploration of folklore, tactile texture, and the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Working with clay through both wheel throwing and handbuilding, I pull inspiration from old-growth forest aesthetics, dark cottagecore themes, and the organic forms found in nature.
I lean heavily into high-contrast textures and intricate detailing, from layering fluid glazes to sculpting expressive, folklore-inspired faces directly into the clay. Whether creating structural masks, detailed pendants, or highly textured functional wares, my goal is to bridge the gap between fine art and functional objects. By capturing the symbiotic relationship between decay and growth, my work invites viewers to bring a piece of ancient, mystical storytelling into their everyday spaces.
