Rita Vali

About Rita Vali

I am fortunate to be working in a medium that is so wonderfully diverse, tactile and responsive. The majority of my work is focused on creating functional pottery that combines contemporary form with interesting surface decoration in an unusual and stimulating way. Patterns generated from leaves, bark, or pebbles can influence my designs. Intended for daily use, I hope my pots engage the user.

I am constantly exploring and experimenting with texture, layered engobes, and developing new glazes to create interesting surfaces. This, combined with my background in art, botany and microbiology, has led to a series of wall pieces inspired by botanical text books. These pieces are explorations in surface treatments and the often-overlooked beauty of the botanical and microscopic worlds.

I am driven by a need to create, to use my hands and to be part of an arts tradition. Whether in the studio or in the classroom, I find working in clay a very satisfying endeavor and an ongoing commitment.