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 Studio Space and Materials for Ceramic Artists
 Burti Ceramic Studio & Supply
 R.R. #4 Box 4136, Dalton, PA 18414
 570.945.5139 ~ info@burticeramics.com

Artist's Statement
Nannette M. Burti
Clay Artist

From my first experience with clay, I was captivated by it. There was something essentially spiritual about it. This material was both ancient and contemporary. It could be worked in a liquid, semi - solid or solid state and it required the interaction of all of the elements to produce a finished piece. The range it had seemed vast. The clay made me aware of its connection with human history and working with it evoked within me, the ancient bonds between the earth and man. This feeling has not left me. My work is a personal response to this connection and the knowledge of the clay's reaction to my handling. The form it takes is the result of thoughtful analysis of shape and process to develop an approach for producing a particular piece. The process of making the vessel is planned and executed according to that "blueprint". Each step must be completed at the right time and in the correct sequence or the results may be compromised. My inspiration for this work is the natural world. Each day my eyes explore varied shapes and textures in my environment. I am halted by the crevices in the surface of rocks and trees, or the vast texture of a field of grasses. "I can't conceive of anything being more varied and rich and handsome than the planet Earth. And its crowning glory is the natural world. I want to soak it up, to understand it as well as I can and to absorb it. And then I'd like to put it together and express it..." Robert Bateman As I build the pieces, I allow the process to be evident in the completed work. Surface textures are important to the aura of the piece. Working the surface can develop the history, place and vocabulary of a pot. This development stirs ancient memories, making my work seem familiar, yet unidentifiable as to time or place. Finally, I finish and fire the piece, but my connection with the work is not broken. Even in the midst of the flames, I remain connected to my work until the bitter or perhaps, very sweet end. ~ Nannette M. Burti