For me, clay is all about texture, shape and color. Even though I was trained with an MFA from Kutztown University, clay has always spoken to me in a way no other medium possibly could. As I enjoy painting and drawing as well as clay, my working goal is to combine all these elements into one object through gesture, composition and color. I am strongly influenced by all the organic shapes, colors, and textures of nature, as well as whimsical characters in storybooks and everyday life. I want the pieces to feel like they are going to start dancing, or start walking off the table. I want them to feel fun, yet provoke thought and deeper meanings about everyday life, both good and bad, the funny and the absurd! Each one-of-a-kind sculptural piece is hand build out of terracotta or stoneware clay, and starts out as a series of forms that I construct, building form on top of form, until I get the look that I desire. I also sometimes add copper wire, semi precious and glass beads, gold paint and found objects. Each series of functional objects focuses on fun color combinations and adding delight to the food, flowers and plants that can go in them. My wall and hanging pieces incorporate words and symbols that are personal to me, and the colors that compliment them. I teach throwing, hand building and glazing at numerous local art centers in the area, as well as school residencies and workshops. I get as much from my students, as they get from me, because I love the teaching environment, and all the excitement of sharing knowledge and creative ideas!! I have also been published in Lark books, such as: HANDMADE TILES, HANDBUILT CERAMICS and SURFACE DECORATION FOR LOW-FIRE CERAMICS. My studio is in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.

You can see more of my work on my website: www.bernadettestillo.com or contact me at b.stillo@yahoo.com