ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Gretchen Verplanck's Hand-Built Ceramic 'Scary Monsters'

artist · 2026-07-21

American sculptor Gretchen Verplanck creates hand-built ceramic monsters called 'Scary Monsters' from white stoneware, each with a unique name and biography. After studying ceramics and a long hiatus from art, she now produces only a few dozen pieces monthly, sold exclusively via online lotteries and auctions—no commissions or custom orders. The creatures, with oversized teeth, asymmetrical eyes, and irregular bodies, humorously reflect human flaws and emotions. Verplanck's approach preserves creative freedom and makes each acquisition an event.

Key facts

  • Gretchen Verplanck is an American sculptor.
  • She studied ceramics before a long hiatus from art.
  • Her 'Scary Monsters' are made from white stoneware.
  • Each monster is hand-built without molds.
  • Every monster receives a name and biography.
  • Only a few dozen are produced each month.
  • They are sold exclusively via online lotteries and auctions.
  • Verplanck does not accept commissions or custom requests.

Entities

Artists

  • Gretchen Verplanck

Institutions

  • Objects.

Sources