Soledad Christie is a Chilean ceramist and designer, born in Viña del Mar, who studied Graphic Design at the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
She has lived for many years in San Pedro de Atacama, where she draws inspiration from the desert and the Andean altiplano landscapes.
Her artistic work is rooted in the ancient pottery‐traditions of the region: she uses techniques such as hand modelling (pinching and lulo), river‑stone burnishing, pit firing with guano and low‑temperature kiln firings.
Her signature pieces include the “Llamitos” (small llama figures) that reference Andean mythology and the high‑plateau fauna and petroglyphs, notably in the piece “Llamito, Guardián del Agua” (2013), which received major craft awards (Chile’s Seal of Excellence 2013, UNESCO/WCC Southern Cone Recognition 2014).
Her work emphasizes lightness, thinness, formal balance, and a dialogue between the ancient craft practices and the vast, singular landscape of the Atacama.
“I am fascinated by the plastic quality of clay, and how it changes throughout the process, from wet to dry. …
This quality allows me to immerse myself in a kind of slowness and presence. My hands think.”