Soon after leaving the University of Maryland, Gillian Harry discovered she enjoyed the tactile feel of clay and the creative connection between the fingers and the mind.
During her 35-year arts career, Gillian, an Alta Mesa resident, has produced various types of pottery, her current favorite being maiolica. Originating in ninth century Mesopotamia (now Iraq), the 1,000-year-old tin glaze technique became global by the 1800s. There is a definite Moorish/Spanish influence to her pieces.“Flowers are a theme in all my work,” she said, “and Maiolica enables me to connect two disciplines I am passionate about—the creation in clay, and its decoration, using painterly techniques.”
Gillian’s pottery, made from Hawaiian red clay, is glazed. “The results are bold and vivid,” she explained, “yet the technique can allow the refined effect of watercolor.” Tiles, vases, bowls and small multi-purposes dishes, with prices range from $8 to $50, can be purchased directly.
She regularly exhibits at Valley arts fairs, and her work also can be purchased in the Mesa Arts Center Gift Shop. Gillian also conducts art classes at the Mesa Arts Center. She accepts commissions, including funerary urns and decorative kitchen and bath tiles.
Contact Gillian Harry at (480) 981 8605, or send an e-mail to gillharry.artist@gmail.com.