claire smith is a multimedia artist and design engineer based in seattle wa

For Christmas a while ago, my granny gifted me a craft set to learn how to crochet. Being that i was 9 at the time, my mom taught herself and graciously showed me. A few years later, we taught ourselves how to knit together. I loved making my own patterns and quickly started taking requests for literally anything from my friends at school - squirrel stuffed animals, infinity scarves, striped hats in our school colors. And when I picked up ceramics in high school, the same thing happened - I was eager for practice and for the end results to go to a good home.

I continued honing my skills while I attended the University of Vermont as a mechanical engineering student. I began taking commission knitwear requests to make extra money and I was a teaching assistant at the university pottery Co-op. As an engineer, I learned how to develop design processes that focus on repeatability and efficiency to create an end product that is functional and long-lasting. I try to carry this mentality into my art process, especially as I have grown to offer ready made pieces.

In 2023, I moved to Seattle and became a member at Clune Clay in Lake City, where I still practice now. I was inspired by the art community and extensive farmers market system to start the Pod Collective with my 2 very crafty roommates at that time, Hannah and Sabrina. After a lot of hard work, we began selling art as a collective in 2026.

I also recently joined the team at Rodriguez and Erikson, a local steel bicycle manufacturer, as Designer.