Joseph Barberio will be displaying his unique clay forms at the library during September and October. His approach ensures the singularity of each piece, since he hand builds either by coiling or forms a piece from hand rolled slabs. All his work is bisque fired in the normal fashion, then goes through a special, second firing with sawdust in small, metal barrels.
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While he begins each piece with a specific design in mind, Joseph often lets the clay “talk” to him during the slow shaping process. His aim is sometimes sculptural rather than functional thus a few of his pieces are closed, mid-sized forms. None are considered food-safe, though his vase-like forms are treated on the interior to allow them to hold water. Although his pieces are often mistaken for raku because of their random surface patterning, Joseph’s vessels differ sharply in that they are totally unglazed. Read more about his working methods posted at the library.
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Joseph lives and has a studio in Hostile Valley in Liberty. His ceramics are for sale, and he is generously donating 50% of his sales to the library.