Cool Art: Clay Goddess.

Marla Ziegler is a Dallas-based sculptor who works primarily in clay.

Her work, made up of vessel-type pieces, wall installations and freestanding designs, is moody and meditative and often injected with a little whimsy.

Extremely sought-after among modernists, her work bridges the gap between sleek and tactile and often has a restful, appealing look that people want to buy and live with.

She's extremely talented and doesn't take herself too seriously. We like that in an artist.