Bea Fiorito

"I primarily use white clays, b-mix, armstone, frost, and occasionally Black Mountain all at the mid-fire range (5-6)"

Primary forming method?

"I don’t really have a primary method – whether it’s on the wheel, slabs, or coiling, I just use what I need to get the pieces built."

Primary firing temperature?

"Mid-Fire (5-6) and Raku are my favorites."

Favorite surface treatment?

"I don’t have a favorite – I focus on balancing the piece more than anything else. The surface treatments I use vary considerably depending on the piece. From a simple mug to a large sculpture, the unique pieces call for their own unique surface treatments. The way I see it, an unglazed piece is like a body, and the glaze is the wardrobe: you can have a beautiful form but the “dress” you’re wearing can make or break the overall intention of the piece."

How/Where do you market and sell your artwork?

"I market primarily though word of mouth, and then on my website at beafioritoceramics.com"

"I have a passion for everything clay! What doesn’t spark my creativity?!? My favorite phrase to say is “you can do that in ceramics!” I have been creative all my life, whether in photography, interior design, or just creating something from nothing. I am constantly inspired by emotions, nature, children, travel, current events – many times, I just get a vision of a piece when I close my eyes in the shower! Isn’t that where all great ideas happen?"              

"My true beginning in the journey of clay was with my mother, who took ceramics as a hobby. When I had my first child – I didn’t want to lose myself in the roles of wife and new mother, and needed an outlet to express myself. Clay felt like a really natural place to go. I was living in Denver at the time with my husband and joined the Arvada Center of Ceramics, which is a wonderful clay community. Eventually, when I moved into a house, I was able to buy a wheel and my very first kiln to set up my own studio in the basement. At the time, I was primarily focusing on low fire function ware, Raku and some high fire. Since then, my style, perception, and skills with clay have expanded tremendously with all types of techniques, temperatures, and clays."

How have you have taken your experience as a well-established maker in the field and passed that knowledge along to your other artists?

"Currently, I mentor 8 women that love to use clay as therapy. Some have been with me for many years. I try to give them all the tools they need to go where they want to go with their clay experience. Historically, I was enrolled at Glassell where the students supported and learned from each other."

What’s the best advice you’ve been given by a fellow maker, mentor, or teacher?

“Bill Dennard told me “Keep being curious” and it still inspires me today."