Tina Fossella

Artist Statement

I have been practicing the traditional forms of Buddhist meditation and yoga for over twenty years. During that time, I began to approach all aspects of my life as my spiritual practice. I turned to pottery as a way to explore 'meditation in action' and found my true spiritual home sitting at the wheel. Over the last few years, I have been exploring how to further merge my 'healing' work as a psychotherapist with my 'spiritual' work in Ceramics.

I throw and hand-carve ceramics intended for the everyday rituals of drinking, eating, and adorning the home with beauty. I love the contrast of colorful glazes against earthy clay bodies. Each vessel I create is imbued with a specific intention to support nourishment, comfort, connection, and celebration. After I make the pots I load them into my kiln. Firing the kiln is a sacred, alchemical ritual. Here is where the magic happens! I imagine that the love and joy that I experienced while making the pots go into the clay so that the people who receive them will feel that too. They are vessels through which to connect and I know I have succeeded when I hear from customers “I use this cup / bowl every single day!”

My work is featured in many shops all over the Bay Area. Most recently, I partnered with Sloat Garden Center and designed a colorful line of planters, hanging planters, soap dishes, and bee cups. My biggest and longest customer is the Good Earth in Mill Valley and Fairfax, a community hub, where I sell mugs, bowls, olive oil pourers, berry bowls, tea sets, and more all year round. I also sell my work at art festivals and shows throughout the year at various Bay Area venues.