Maria Palotas - Artist in Clay

"For the past 3 decades pottery making has allowed me to integrate drawing, painting and sculpting with my artistic vision of form and colour. Pottery can grab and enthrall you like no other craft; I know this because it is my life. It is my passion both to practice and to share with patrons and students alike in a spirit of fun, excitement and challenge. My practice includes hand building, sculpting in clay, throwing, slab building, painting and glazing techniques.

My work is inspired by the never ending joy of discovery. During the 1970s I noticed an amazing connection between European and Pueblo pottery styles and techniques and continue to create works that breath this influence. I am recently exploring the subtle and delicate nuances of Yixing Sisha clay.

I work with many techniques to produce many different styles and types of pottery. For me the vast range of styles and techniques developed across a multitude of cultures and periods presents too great an opportunity for expression to ignore or to limit myself to one or two. I must explore and embrace as much as I possibly can."

Maria offers classes for all age groups that range from handbuilding and foundations to intermediate throwing. She also sponsors an apprentice program. As an instructor Maria encourages her students to develop a thorough knowledge of the artistic and technical foundations of the art and craft of pottery. For more information visit www.maripottery.com or email maripottery