Gail Markiewicz

My work is handbuilt/slab construction. I first roll out clay flat, rip or cut sizes as needed. I then press in antique and various textures into the clay. When the pieces are leatherhard, I handbuild a vessel out of that textured clay. Some work is constructed out of large slabs, and other vessels out of many little pieces, and embellished with clay ornamentations. Once the vessel is bone dry, I airbrush and handpaint on slips and underglazes. They are fired, and when they come out of the kiln I do more painting and staining to give that antique look. Then, they are fired again. One more check for more coloring, and if it looks good, I glaze the work clear. Fire again, and hope for the best!

My work is handbuilt/slab construction. I first roll out clay flat, rip or cut sizes as needed. I then press in antique and various textures into the clay. When the pieces are leatherhard, I handbuild a vessel out of that textured clay. Some work is constructed out of large slabs, and other vessels out of many little pieces, and embellished with clay ornamentations. Once the vessel is bone dry, I airbrush and handpaint on slips and underglazes. They are fired, and when they come out of the kiln I do more painting and staining to give that antique look. Then, they are fired again. One more check for more coloring, and if it looks good, I glaze the work clear. Fire again, and hope for the best!

After having tried sculptural forms of art, I began to create beautiful, nonfunctional vessels and have continued this art form since 1985. Probably the biggest link from the beginning of my work until now has been my love for textures and pattern. I have combined textured pieces of clay and juxtaposed them into interesting positions to form a patchwork design. The shape of the vessels are very striking. The colors highlight the surfaces creating a feeling of antiquity and futuristic dimension embodied in each vessel.