Anita Walling
Combining the most ancient of clay techniques—pinching—with the refinement and elegance of porcelain, I create clay vessels that hold an energy of aliveness, compassion and possibility.
For years I worked with fiber—spinning, dyeing with plants, knitting. I showed my work at ACC shows in Reinbeck and Baltimore as well as shops on Newberry Street in Boston. I also have a lot of experience as a landscape gardener as well as working with color in various ways. When, after a move to Florida, I was ready for a change of medium, I combined my various passions into a new art form that also involved working pliable natural materials directly with my hands, connection with plants and working with color.
Each of the porcelain pinch pots I create is an individual.
I carefully choose leaves that will be preserved by being fired onto the pots. I press the leaf in a thin layer of clay I've rolled out with a rolling pin, cut it out and appliqué it onto the pot, sometimes adding clay stems or vines. The leaf burns off in the first firing leaving its intimate details captured in the clay. I often enhance the pot with semi-precious gems or pearls.
The process brings me great joy, a sense of who I am and a feeling of participating with the beauty of nature. I do hope these pots speak to both the senses and the soul.


