Mario Quilles American

Millions of years ago the earth was covered with ice. Many years later the ice melted and the earth was covered with water. Beneath the surface of that water there were “forms," forms of different shapes, forms of many colors. It is in those "forms" that I found inspiration for all that I do, including the ceramic sculptures in this show. Some years ago a friend’s ten-year-old son said to me “These pieces look like they came out of the ocean.” Yes, they do.

Although I was given clay to play with as a child, it was really during the second half of my life that I began to grow, and my artwork and the materials I use would take form. At first I was an art director in New York City. I was also among the first artists to work out of a loft in Soho, way back when. In the end, though, ceramics won.

I roll my clay out on rubber mats, with texture that will be on the outside, although the pieces are built from the inside out. My glazes are airbrush gradations blending various colors for the effects I have in mind. Occasionally I work with Raku. But the inspiration, which is most important, comes from those most ancient times. The forms and colors talk to me, they tell me what they want to be.

It gives me great joy to do this work, and I hope you enjoy seeing it as well.