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Artist’s Statement
Carlie Lehrfeld - San Martin Ceramics at Lehrfeld Farm

Ever since I was a little girl, art has always been my favorite "subject". Now, as a first-grade public school teacher with a master’s degree in Social Emotional Learning, I see art not just as a creative outlet, but as a powerful tool for growth and personal development.

Art is more than fun—it nurtures essential life skills like flexible thinking, problem-solving, perseverance, and confidence. It gives us space to process emotions, disconnect from stress, connect with others, and rediscover joy in the world around us.

My artistic style is influenced by the vibrant spirit of 1960s and ’70s music and culture—the bold colors, the sense of freedom, and the revolutionary spirit of change. At the same time, my work reflects a strong sense of patriotism and profound respect for the military. My husband has proudly served over 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, and our shared commitment to service and country has become a central inspiration in my art.

By merging these two seemingly contrasting influences—countercultural expression and military devotion—I create a unique visual dialogue. The result is an unexpected juxtaposition of ideals that coexist through color, symbolism, and mood, evoking feelings of both peace and hope. My work seeks to honor the past, celebrate individuality, and remind us of the values that bind us together.

In 2024, my daughter participated in Morgan Hill Open Studios. This year, with her away at college, I myself have stepped into the role of "Exhibiting Artist." I’ve always seen myself more as a teacher than an artist, but as Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist,” and I truly believe that spark of creativity lives in all of us. As we grow older, we often lose that sense of uninhibited joy that comes from making something with our own hands. My goal—for myself and for others—is to fuel that spark and continue to find joy through artistic exploration.  It’s a new and exciting challenge, driven by positive affirmations & flexible thinking, because as a self-taught ceramicist, I've learned to expect surprises & persevere even when projects are begging to be abandoned. While I am proud of the sculptures I created & curated for Morgan Hill Open Studios, I'm even more proud of the personal growth & development that I experienced through the process of signing up to display art that had not yet been created. 

Though ceramics is my newest medium, I see the entire studio and farm as my canvas. From large-scale murals to custom-painted chicken coops, every surface becomes an opportunity for creative expression. Whimsical touches, are scattered throughout the space, designed to surprise, delight, and inspire wonder in every visitor, young or old. The studio, or "Art Barn" as some call it, continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community.

Over the years, I’ve watched young artists return summer after summer to our Art on the Farm mixed media camp. When many began aging out, I realized there was a need for a creative space that could grow with them—a space where artists of all ages and abilities could continue to explore, express, and feel they belong. San Martin Ceramics and Lehrfeld Farm is my response to that need.

This isn’t just a studio. It’s a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community where everyone is encouraged to embrace a growth mindset and create without the pressure of perfection. Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you’ve been creating for decades, my hope is that here, under the big skies and open air of Lehrfeld Farm, you feel seen, supported, and inspired.