Hi! I’m Aundi. It’s so nice to meet you!
The Artist
Aundi Steinhardt grew up in the small river town of Madison, Indiana, known for its hydroplane races and historic downtown. She spent her childhood exploring the local state park, the banks of the Ohio river, and her town’s historic homes and gardens. Aundi also spent many summers at her grandparents in Utah, where she spent copious amounts of time outside riding her bike, and visiting the National Parks of the West. These experiences shaped her love of nature and art, and gave her an appreciation for precious objects, especially antiques and pottery.
Aundi received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in ceramics from Appalachian State University in 2019. She took a brief hiatus from clay to focus on her career, but made her way back to clay in 2024. Today, she continues to explore and hone her craft.
Aundi creates her illustrative nature-inspired work in her home studio in Bloomington, Indiana. When she is not making art, you can find here working at the local garden nursery, digging in her garden, or lounging in her sunroom with her partner and two dogs.
The Art
My work is a celebration of nature’s tiny wonders and the nostalgia of childhood exploration. Growing up in Indiana, my days were filled with exploring my surroundings. I spent hours wandering through the woods and meadows, and meandering up creeks, looking for newts under rocks, catching grasshoppers in cupped hands, and watching bees dance among wildflowers. I remember the scent of sweet hay pastures, the cool touch of dew-covered grass, and the thrill of chasing lightening bugs on warm summer nights. The small moments, simple yet magical, are woven into my art.
The clay I use is rich and warm, like the dirt I dug my hands into as a child- reminiscent of sunlit fields and endless summer days. With playful textures, earthy tones complimented with pops of color, and hand-illustrated details, my pieces reflect the whimsy of those early adventures. Every swirling vine, buzzing bee, and crawling critter carries the spirit of childhood wonder.
Through my art, I hope to spark joy and nostalgia, inviting others to reminisce in their own happy moment in nature. I want my work to be a small reminder of carefree days - of sunshine on your skin, the hum of insects in the air, and the beauty of simple, fleeting moments.