Donna  Nicosia

I began working with clay in 2001 by taking a course at a local college.  During the first semester I realized that I had the passion and a natural talent for working with clay. This medium awakens all my senses as an artist by allowing me to stretch my imagination, piquing my curiosity, and working with my hands.  Working with clay will be a lifelong learning experience that I enjoy looking forward to each day as I enter my studio.  I usually work with cone 6 stoneware clays that are fired to a temperature of about 2200 degrees.  By using raw chemicals and formulas I make my own glazes which enables me to finish each piece as needed. My sculpture works are usually of everyday objects one wouldn’t think of being done in clay. From a vision in my head to the actual completed work leaves me wondering how it came about although I know many hours were involved.

  Most of my works are one of a kind pieces that I design.  When I throw on the wheel I don’t have a preconceived notion of how the piece is going to turn out. There seems to be a mutual understanding and respect that both the clay and I have when we work together. After all, the clay wants to be able to show what it can do and it’s my job to give it that opportunity.