Debra Oliva

Artist signature on bottom

Dot Jar, c. 2012-2014

3.25 x 4D

Debra Oliva was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She earned her BFA at Northern Illinois University in Drawing and Painting. After graduating, she went on to work in the printing industry for more than a decade. Drawn to clay since elementary school it was not until she married and moved to Michigan that the opportunity to work with clay presented itself. She began taking classes at an area potter's guild and continued her education attending over 80 workshops. She has been working in clay for 23 years and currently teaches adults and children at area art centers.

Her work has been awarded prizes in several national and international shows, and was selected for inclusion in Lark Books 500 Pitchers and the upcoming 500 Teapots II. She maintains a studio in her Okemos, Michigan home and sells her work through galleries and group ceramic shows.

Her ceramics are a combination of coloured clays in black, grey, and brown with the added bling of bright hues. Pattern, texture and fine details are carefully etched onto the surface of this fine covered jar.

Oliva's work is informed by Japanese art and craft traditions, including contemporary and traditional textiles, basketry, costume and Japanese prints. She has an affinity for the simplicity, serenity and precision craftsmanship once may find in the Asian aesthetic. She is particularly interested in the armor and implements of the Samurai warrior. These garments are an amalgamation of craft traditions where she finds endless inspiration for form, color, pattern and texture. It is her intention to create objects that share the same spirit, temperament and timelessness.

Donated by Marsha Gold

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