Debra Oliva

"Much of what I create has its root in the utilitarian pottery tradition where functional concerns are paramount, however, it is my belief aesthetic considerations and functional concerns should share equal importance. Acheiving a good balance between the two is my challenge. The objects I most enjoy creating are those that beg to live outside of the cupboard as objects for contemplation and enrichment until called into service.

My materials are stoneware and porcelain. Glazes may be employed for texture, color and design or simply as a liner. For the unglazed work I hand color the clay bodies and slips with ceramic stain or use them in their natural state. The pieces are usually thrown, altered, and the designs etched into the surface. After bisque firing, the interiors are glazed, colored slip may be rubbed into the etched pattern, or glaze applied for surface design. The work is then fired to cone 7 in an electric kiln or to cone 10 in a soda atmosphere."