|
|
 |
 |
| Melissa
Greene |
I desired to become a maker of beautiful objects, and without
really knowing why, at age 14, chose clay as the medium.
|
| |
My influences come partially
from the places I grew up- Podunk, in Connecticut and the mountains
and lakes of Rangeley, Maine. I was particularly inspired by
living and traveling abroad at a young age, especially by a
trip to Lapland in northern Norway. Here I realized a strong
interest in how people living a self-reliant lifestyle, close
to and with an essential respect for nature, held a strong intuitive
commitment to beauty which is reflected in every part of their
daily lives. There was no separation between art and life, the
two existed as an integral part of each other. I desired to
become a maker of beautiful objects, and without really knowing
why, at age 14, chose clay as the medium. Thus, my imagery is
a reflection of more than 25 yrs. of observation into relationships
between animals and the natural world, myths, rituals, women,
families, daily life, and the crafts of many cultures.
Along with this I have to acknowledge several members of my
family, I feel they were directly responsible for many aspects
of my work. My father, Dr. Harry S.N. Greene who instilled in
me a love and respect for the natural world, an appreciation
for old, handmade things, and whose incredibly alive imagination
shaped my very thinking. My sister, Judy Greene, who was a beautiful
painter, thinker, and who I often feel is very near by. My step
father, Sid Leslie, who was my fathers best friend and carried
on the legends. He gave me total love and encouragement, and
taught me not to be afraid of really hard work. My mother, Jean
Greene Leslie, who I thank for her strength, humor, joie de
vivre, and, everything she touched was beautiful. These people
have all moved on, except for my sister Susan Nutting Greene,
we are the storytellers of our family now. I must also include
my husband and blacksmith, Eric Ziner, who is a daily gift to
me. He far surpasses any preconceived notion I had about love,
life, family, joy,and creativity. Our sons, Abraham and Silas,
are the most incredible creations so far! I also greatly appreciate
and love every day of this life, on this beautiful, abundant,
planet.
|
Tree of Life
These pots and bowls are made from a white earthenware clay.
The pots are wheelthrown in one piece using approximately
14 lbs. of clay. The bowls are handbuilt using a mold, to
achieve a slightly irregular shape. The designs are painted
on when pieces are leatherhard, using a slip called terra
sigillata. They are then burnished and carved, dried and fired.
After firing they are lightly smoked with hay and/or pine
boughs, which gives them a soft, mottled coloration. They
are then coated with an application of Butcher's wax which
enhances the smoking and gives the surface a protective coating.
Basic themes and patterns are repeated yet each piece is unique
due to the creative processes involved. Each piece is made
exclusively by me, I have no one else making or painting my
work.
|
|
|
|
