About the Artist

 

Rachael DePauw is a ceramic artist based in New Orleans, where the city’s distinctive architecture and rich history play a central role in shaping her work. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University and graduated from Newcomb College in 2007. It was during her college years that she discovered her passion for clay—a medium that offered both structure and spontaneity—and began building a career grounded in place, tradition, and craftsmanship.

A proud Newcomb alum, Rachael continues the legacy of women in the arts that defined the college’s historic pottery program. From her home studio, she creates a wide range of ceramic work, including custom address sign tiles, functional dinnerware, ceramic earrings, and decorative pieces. Her early work was defined by the sgraffito technique, a method of carving through layers of black clay that became her signature for over a decade. This approach drew inspiration from Newcomb Pottery’s historic designs—honoring the flora, fauna, and architectural details that shape the Southern landscape. Many of those same motifs continue to echo throughout her current collections.

For the first ten years of her career, Rachael balanced her studio practice with teaching ceramics at Isidore Newman School. These parallel roles allowed her to grow as an artist while sharing her knowledge with young creatives and building a strong foundation for her business.

In 2022, she developed her Spectrum series while attending the Penland School of Craft. This bold new body of work explores color, texture, and form—expanding her practice while remaining rooted in the handmade.

Rachael now runs her studio alongside her husband, William, who is also a ceramic artist and educator. Their three young daughters often help with small studio tasks and creative projects, making it a true family endeavor. Rachael leads by example—modeling what it means to build a fulfilling life and business through art. Beyond the work itself, she is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and creative independence in both her children and the emerging artists she mentors through studio assistantships.