"Columbarini clay vessels and sculptural forms originate through a hand built, slip cast, or wheel-thrown process sometimes using a combination of two or all three technique. I often alter the clay by incising the original shape, carving the surface in relief, or constructing intricate forms using various clay components. In a bone-dry state, the clay is bisque-fired at cone 08-06 and again primitive pit-fired using straw and sawdust. This firing method gives my work the distinctive grass patterns, fire clouds, and rich sepia tones. I then hand-color each work with its own unique design using metallic paints, oil sticks, acrylics and textured powdered marble. Upon completion, I "fix" the delicate surface with a satin acrylic spray to protect the finish." -Christine Colombarini