The Marks Project - A Marks Dictionary of American Studio Pottery, 1946 to Present

Joan Zagrobelny

— Born Massena, New York

APPRENCICESHIPS AND RESIDENCIES

2015 Residence, c.r.e.t.a., Rome, Italy

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

2012- Ceramic sculptor

Joan Zagrobelny makes coil built vessels and sculpture from white sculpture clay and low fire paper clay, creating abstract, organic forms.

Zagrobelny began working with clay in California where she studied independently with a number of studio ceramists. Her forms are often built on small bases, making the balance of the piece critical. The interplay of the many layers of surface color is also paramount in her work. The work is low-fired, often involving multiple firings. The surface of her sculptures is left unrefined, showing the fingerprints and other markings. Using vitreous engobes, glaze and underglaze combinations, she fires on a ground color; then in subsequent glaze firings, she scrapes away a new application of pre-fired glaze, using the high-low surface to reveal and highlight previous layers of colors.

Bibliography

Fritchey, Sarah. “Deceivingly Simple, Decidedly Unplugged: A Review of Art of the Northeast,” BigRedand Shiny.org, July 23, 2015.

Website: http://joanzag.com/home.html

Southern Highland Craft Guild

Typical Marks

Prior to late 2015, pots were signed Joan Z or J Zag, often post-firing with an indelible Sharpie. Starting late 2015, a custom stamp is employed, usually on the side of the piece near the base. The stamp has the initials JZ, with a small j dropping down from the top line of a larger Z.