2021, L 10" x W 3" x H 6" each, Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The parts of the candelabra that hold the candles are wheelthrown, then attached to a larger handbuilt form. The majority of this piece is unglazed with terra sigilata, the remaining parts are glazed mauve. There is a black inlayed line surrounding the glazed portion. Cone 1.
2021, L 10" x W 4" x H 8", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The part of the candelabra that holds the candles is wheelthrown, attached to a larger slab built form. The majority of this piece is unglazed with terra sigilata, a portion is glazed teal/blue. There is a black inlayed line surrounding the glazed portion. Cone 1.
2021, L 8" x W 3.5" x H 8.5", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The part of the candelabra that holds the candles is wheelthrown, attached to a larger handbuilt/slab built form. Most of this piece is unglazed with terra sigilata, a portion is glazed teal/blue. There is a black inlayed line surrounding the glazed area. Cone 1.
2021, L 8" x W 2.5" x H 7", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The spout is wheelthrown, but the rest was built with slabs. Most of it is unglazed with terra sigilata, there is a portion glazed yellow with a black inlayed line surrounding it. Cone 1.
2021, L 7.5" x W 3" x H 7.5", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The spout is wheelthrown, attached to a slab built/handbuilt body. Most of it is unglazed with terra sigilata. There is a portion that is glazed mauve with a black inlayed line surrounding it. Cone 1.
2021, L 8.5" x W 3" x H 7", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The spout is wheelthrown, attached to a handbuilt/ slab built body. Most of it in unglazed with terra sigilata, there is a portion that is glazed blue with a black inlayed line surrounding it. Cone 1.
2021, Tallest is L 4" x W 2" x H 7", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
Most of these vases are unglazed with terra sigilata, there are portions that are glazed (blue/yellow/pink) and surrounded by a black inlayed line. Cone 1. Decorative vinyl on the bottom just for the picture.
2021, Mug L 4" x W 3" x H 4.5" Sipper L 3.75" x W 3.25" x H 3.5", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The handles are made from slabs. Terra sigilata with glaze and inlayed black lines surrounding each glazed part. Cone 1. Decorative Vinyl on the bottom just for the picture.
2021, Largest is L 6.5" x W 3.5" x H 1", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The unglazed surfaces have terra sigilata. The glazed sections have black inlayed lines surrounding them. Cone 1.
2021, Small is L 5" x W 3.5" x H 3.5" Large is L 4.5" x W 3.5" x H 4.25", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Firing Process: Electric, Low-fire, Surface: Glazed, Unglazed
The handles are made from slabs. The unglazed surfaces have terra sigilata, the glazed portions are surrounded by inlayed black lines. Cone 1.
Artist Statement
My ceramic work is the outcome of both a mental and physical process. Vessels are made from earthenware slabs, paddled slightly and connected at the edges to make plump forms. These forms are derived from objects of interest that I encounter throughout my life, serving as a visual journal. Retro fashion, flora and fauna, Lisa Frank, classic cars, drag performers, mid-century modern furniture, and even cartoons from the 90s. I break objects like these down to their essential lines and shapes, then build them back up into functional pots, so that the pot contains the essence of its origin but still serves a practical purpose. As a ceramic artist, I strive to transcend the binary of functional pottery and sculpture, by creating work that blends the two. It is important to me to maintain a sense of fluidity in my work. I am constantly playing with the challenges of function, while preserving a childlike sense of vibrancy.
Bio
Taylor Mezo (she/they) is a ceramic artist from Illinois, currently living in Pittsburgh PA. She works primarily in sculptural and functional ware, using red earthenware to create vessels utilizing a mixture of wheelthrowing and handbuilding techniques. In December 2019, she graduated with her Bachelors in Fine Arts from Governors State University. Recently Taylor has participated in short term residencies at Penland School of Craft and Peter’s Valley School of Craft.
Taylor Recently completed a long term residency at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media.