MMary Hosick presents clay work using the firing processes of slip resist naked raku, horsehair raku, and sagger firing. Glazes, if any, are used minimally. Instead of glaze the fundamental elements of fire and smoke create atmospheres using materials as basic as sawdust, horsehair, steel wool, copper wire, and banana peels that fume, creating soft, flowing patterns on the porous bare clay. The clay does not vitrify, but remains porous. Its porosity is essential for the materials to leave their carbonized, flash, or blush markings on the bare clay.
The textural treatments of the clay body and form enhance the final effect of the firing technique. For the slip resist naked raku and sagger firings the surface of the clay form is burnished by rubbing it with a polished stone or applying terra sigillata. Burnishing creates a smooth, glowing surface just waiting to be touched. In contrast, some have a rough texture developed by stretching the clay from the inside, not touching the outside, and often stretching the limits of the clay. more..
Welcome to the Gallery
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Born in Oregon, Mary grew up in North Dakota. Her mother was a painter so art was always an activity and inspiration. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a BFA in Weaving. This is where her interest in pottery began. Her fiber background continually challenges her to merge fibers, or the concept of fibers, with clay. She creates her pottery in her studio on Vashon Island, Washington that provides a beautiful setting for outdoor firing.
During the spring of 2006 Mary was a member of the Ceramic Arts Professional and Cultural Exchange to China visiting studios of master potters and exhibiting work in the Sanbao International Art Exhibition “West Meet East @ Sanbao”, Sanbao Village, China.