Born:   1950
Studied:  Parsons School of Design, Summer in Japan 1981, Karen Karnes, Vermont 1980 and 1982, Frans Wildenhain, Rochester Institute of Technology 1978 & 1979
Stanford University, BA   Palo Alto, CA  1971
Currently lives and works in Woodbury CT and Santa Barbara, CA

Ann Mallory’s ceramics express three dimensionally a focus on the quiet, spiritual essence of containment. They are forms that are often reminiscent of ancient sentinel boulders, offering themselves to hold ruminations as well as rain, leaves, sunlight and shadow. Her Casings are inspired by the self-excreted or self-constructed protection many insects create for metamorphosis to occur.

“All of us go through profound life changes at one time or another. My Casings are sculptural vessels metaphorically protecting a spiritual, emotional condition of vulnerability. Self-created protection is essential while the life within is dramatically changing. When the casing is no longer needed, it is opened from within.”

Natural form and texture, and the human emotions it evokes, are a never-ending source of inspiration.  The memory of a wet, plastic beginning on the potters’ wheel is evident in much of the work as well as the textural stretch marks in clay handled on the brink of collapse. Work skillfully shaped with very soft clay allows for extremes of manipulation but also requires considerable risk taking and planning ahead. Pieces often receive multiple firings to achieve the unique glazes and sensuous textures. Both Eastern and European clay handling techniques are used in achieving a forthright dignity and substantiality.  All of her work celebrates the ceremonial, contemplative, reverential needs of humans to have objects that elevate the rituals of living, focus the powers of meditation, and add the strength of beauty to their souls.

“I favor clean volumes, minimal surface decoration and rightness of scale, which promotes a sense of well being, serenity, and interior balance auspicious for thought.”