Functional and Imaginative Ceramics
Marianne’s relationship with clay goes back to college days when she majored in Studio Arts at SSU. The ceramic studio became her second home, where she was able to realize a lifelong ambition of using the pottery wheel, learning hand building techniques, molding and glazing processes.
Her inspiration has always come from her fascination and passion for everything in the natural world which she incorporates into her representational work. Birds have become a special muse.
Process:
A favorite process Marianne frequently uses is “sgraffito” which is the Italian word for scratch. A layer of colored underglaze is spread on white leatherhard clay and then a pattern or picture is incised revealing the clay color underneath. The piece is then bisque fired, clear glaze applied and then it goes to the final kiln firing.
