Christine Colombarini

Born Manitowoc, Wisconsin

EDUCATION

—BFA Ceramics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

—Professional Artist

1996–2016 Co-owner, Stella Luna Gallery, Smithville, Tennessee

Christine Colombarini is known for creating decorative ceramic vessels.  Her process for developing each piece includes one or more of construction methods: hand built, slip castt and wheel-thrown. Works are bisque fired to 1860˚ Fahrenheit and. Colombarini’s second firing is self-described “neo-Primitive” firing technique consists of enveloping bisque fired pots in a bed of straw then lighting the straw on fire to achieve the desired surface effect. There is no kiln used in this process, each piece is fired on the ground in the open-air.

As a result of using straw as a fuel source, Colombarini's surfaces are marked by linear straw patterns, often enveloped in sepia tone in the finished state. Once the primitive firing method is complete, Colombarini hand colors each piece using oil sticks, acrylics, and modeling paste to develop additional color and surface detail. Surfaces are inspired by classical, abstract, art deco and futuristic art.