Louis Colombarini
Bio
Originally from Queens, NY, I took my first Ceramics class in my senior year of college at SUNY Geneseo. I became hooked on clay while also taking classes in wood, jewelry, and painting.
After graduating with a BA degree, I took a job as a firefighter for the city of Ft. Lauderdale. With several days off every week, I decided to audit a class in Ceramics at Florida Atlantic University. I acquired enough additional knowledge about clay technique that I felt comfortable enough to start applying to juried Art Shows throughout south Florida.
Within 5 years I determined my passion in life was going to involve being a Ceramic artist full time.
After 45 years of collaborating with my wife in nearly 600 juried art shows, I retired from show business and now enjoy teaching individuals from 8-80 mostly wheel throwing, and everything else I've learned over the years.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
Over the last several years I developed a unique form of primitive firing my nonfunctional clay vessels and sculpture. I apply a copper patina to the clay forms and bury them in a metal pit buried with sawdust. After lighting the sawdust, it burns down slowly which develops a colorful unique one-of-a-kind piece.
What drives you to make your art/craft?
While teaching for over 2 years I find myself loving the excitement new students experience while making something for their first time at the wheel from a ball of clay. For that reason, I returned to my old ceramic roots of creating functional pottery.
Who or what are your greatest influences?
I've never been one to pick favorites, but if I had to choose one thing it would have to be communing with nature.
How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?
Growing up in NYC as a young boy, I was fortunate to hunt and fish with my dad and granddad. Consequently, this helped to develop my love for the outdoors, and directly influenced my choice of moving to beautiful rural TN. where nature abounds.
Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?
Living in rural TN has provided me with the opportunity to grow a garden every year, which is my source of "Soul Food,” helping to build character and directly influencing my teaching and wheel throwing abilities.
Anything else you want to share?
Anyone interested in a taking a class in wheel throwing or hand building as a gift certificate, date, or special occasion, check out my website www.cosmic-clay.com or call for further details. I'd also like to let it be known that I would consider commissions for functional pottery needs.
