Rita Vali

I am fortunate to be working with clay, which is so wonderfully tactile and responsive; an alluring medium with enduring results. As a maker of pottery, I hope my pieces participate in the rituals of daily life - sustenance, celebration, contentment, ornament and discovery. Lofty goals for a humble pot! In our hurried world, using hand-made objects can give us a moment to observe, slow down and feel satisfied. I create pottery that combines clean modern form with bold graphic patterns inspired from the richness and diversity of everywhere – landscape, textiles, geometry, botany, the microscopic world. Driven by observation and a need to make objects by hand, I draw upon my background in biology and apply it to my art practice. I approach clay in a methodical manner, combining wheel-thrown and altered pieces with slab elements. I embrace coaxing form and surface decoration to interplay in a symbiotic way. I also love color, and the challenge of using it in complementary ways. Creating work that successfully balances form, color, line and pattern is a goal and a thrill I never tire of. I am driven by a passion to create and to be part of an arts tradition. My life with clay has been enhanced over the years through experiences as an instructor. I find making the world of clay accessible to others very rewarding, whether through individual projects, workshops, or school-wide collaborative installations. In both the studio and the classroom, working with clay is a very satisfying and challenging endeavor as I strive to make pottery that communicates my passion as a maker.