Artist Statement

In my work I juxtapose silhouettes of nature with simple ceramic forms. I use the surface techniques of sgraffito and mishima, an inlay style, on porcelain clay with the intention of causing the viewer to pause, find stillness, and become aware of their own inner contemplation. 

My aesthetics of design are informed by the compositions and curved flow of art nouveau lines, and the careful consideration of positive and negative space on and around the form. Inspiration comes from personal observations that drive me to create a dialogue between beautifully fragile botanical shapes with simple, stoic, timeless forms. In my own history gardens, are markers of my past and present.  Botanic observations and memories draw me to the plant designs I use when integrating them with a vessel.  I bring together form and surface with a quiet focus on functional, interpretable pots. 

Bio

Mary LaBianca is a ceramic artist working in the Asheville River Arts District and an Artist in Residence at Mars Hill University. She has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from UNC-Asheville with concentrations in painting, drawing and dance and an MFA in Choreography and Performance from Mills College in Oakland, CA. She is a graduate of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts program in clay, and has a Diploma in Clay from HCC. She teaches dance and ceramics in Western NC.