NAN MAZZUCO Sawdust Primitive Pottery
"I remember removing my first pot from the ashes two days after the sawdust was first ignited. I was hooked by the warm, satin feel of the sawdust pieces and their beautiful, random markings."
Nan Mazzuco is a clay artist residing in Ontario, New York. Initially interested in sculpture, she quickly found herself working with clay on the potter's wheel creating functional, utilitarian glazed pieces. In 1996, inspired by an article and intrigued by its science and intrinsic beauty, Nan began to work with pottery fired in a sawdust-fueled kiln.
The Process: Prior to bisque firing, Nan burnishes each piece by rubbing a smooth stone over the surface to develop the basis of a satin-smooth finish. After she bisque-fires the burnished piece, she fires it again in a kiln-like container fueled with sawdust. The sawdust is ignited and left to burn for one to two days. The direct contact of the fire and smoke creates unique designs. The introduction of various organic and inorganic materials produces the random flashing of color. When the piece is cooled, it is washed and burnished again with wax to create the warm, satin finish. The finished variations are endless; some results look like metal, some wood, while others resemble stone or marble. Certain color flashings are more difficult to achieve, making them highly desirable.
This process, where the artist has some control over the results and nature does the rest, has opened up creative avenues to Nan that continue to inspire her today.
"I love working with clay because it is so physical and, at the same time, very technical. To work with clay you have to appreciate the journey as much as the result. The possibilities are endless. One lifetime is not long enough to learn it all."
Above left: Nan at work in her studio; Above right: Section of Nan's in-home studio.
Below left: Raku vase with silver beaded rim; Below right: Tall raku vase, incised,
with applied marine life figures
Click to contact Nan
