Jessie Marianacci Valone ( she/her )

Objects tell a story. 

An object has the ability to transverse the space of habit and ritual. Pottery narrates through the process in which the form was made, through the details of shape, surface information and the subject matter of its function. The story eludes to an experience and place. Experiences are the way that we understand the world.

My pots are well crafted objects for use.

They showcase the quality of the handmade and the value of working with our hands. I use simple glazes to accentuate the generous and sturdy form, allowing for the underlying surface decoration and hand alterations to shine. 

The colors I use are these of natural elements; skylines, a growing vine, reflections in the lake, smooth river-stones in the creek-bed, waves crashing on the shoreline, reflections on the water, summer hydrangeas, a fresh bunch of eucalyptus, a thriving garden in mid August or wildflowers on the side of the road.

These are all places I pull inspiration from. 

The forms are sturdy, strong, generous and made for use. They are designed to be pleasant to look at and to function well. I hope that even the smallest of details such as the way the handle fits in your hand or the angle of the lip are pleasant areas for use.

My pots allude to the industrial or commercial; they are familiar enough that people will relate to them but upon further inspection the hand and qualities that I put into my work are evident. Each step of the process during making is well considered.

An object has the ability to transverse the space of habit and ritual.

With a focus on utilitarian pottery forms, I strive to create beautiful, well crafted, functional forms that people will enjoy and use for display and engagement in the home and day to day life. Pots become a part of our eating and drinking habits and/or rituals allowing for us to serve food with ceremony. I create these pieces through the wheel and hand alterations. I enjoy working with my hands and have an appreciation for the handmade. I love blending handbuilt and wheel thrown components, creating pieces that are unique in shape and form.

Craftsmanship and handwork are important aspects of my work. I find tremendous value working with my hands along with the physical demands and intellectual choices I make in my practice keep my work exciting and keep me continuing to work. I strive to advance my skills as a potter through the process of research, planning and repetition. I work in a production based practice while still maintaining a high level of quality, thought/context and energy in the work.

Touch is a connection with the human body, can be visible through certain techniques. Through refined handwork my work speaks to functionality, that it is asking to be touched and used.

I got started in clay about 14 years ago when I took an elective class at school and wound up spending the majority of my time in the clay studio. I switched my major the next semester and have been working in clay ever since.  I enjoy working with my hands and have an immense appreciation for the handmade. My practice allows me to honor my love of working with my hands while creating functional pieces that will be used and loved for years to come. The physical demands and intellectual choices in my work keep me inspired and provide space for growth and exploration. I strive to advance my skills as a potter through the process of research, planning, repetition and experimentation. I have attended winter residences in 2020 and 2022 at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, completed summer internships at Coach Street Clay in Canandaigua as well as a year long apprenticeship at the Rochester Folk Art Guild in Middlesex, NY. I received my BFA from Alfred University with a concentration in ceramics in May of 2016.I am lucky enough to work out of my beautiful 200 year old house in the Finger Lakes Hills with my amazing partner of 21 years and our two pups Buxton and Timber. When I am not in my studio I am most likely reading a good book, working on a project in our farmhouse or surfing on one of our beautiful lakes.