Jamaica Plain Open Studios Gallery
Tara Mazer
Location: First Church Unitarian Universalist - Outside
My first foray into the rough world of professional art was in the third grade. I had a booming business selling customized lengths of braided yarn on the playground. The prices were reasonable (5 cents per inch), my customers were satisfied, and I got to spend recess doing something I truly enjoyed. However, after a few weeks, “the man” (also known as Mrs. Covington) deemed my economic ventures to be inappropriate for the jungle gym. I was dismayed and frustrated. Why could I not share my artistic vision with the world?
Luckily, this minor setback did not squelch my growing passion for art. Throughout my life, I have experimented with many different forms of art: painting, photography, precious metal clay, and stained glass paneling. The unique nature of each medium has allowed me to explore and develop my artistic viewpoint. Yet I never felt artistically “fulfilled” by any single form. That is, until I found polymer clay.
After taking a weeklong intensive seminar on polymer clay at the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts about 2 years ago, I was hooked. Since then, I have been working primarily in polymer clay and focusing on functional jewelry and accessories. I think of my pieces as simultaneously whimsical and highly structured. Principles of color theory and patternmaking greatly inform my aesthetic approach. I rarely use canes, instead preferring to stitch together each item individually. My designs and influences are constantly changing as I discover the myriad capabilities of this versatile medium.
I hope that you experience the same joy in wearing my pieces as I experienced in creating them. Perhaps now Mrs. Covington would approve.
My first foray into the rough world of professional art was in the third grade. I had a booming business selling customized lengths of braided yarn on the playground. The prices were reasonable (5 cents per inch), my customers were satisfied, and I got to spend recess doing something I truly enjoyed. However, after a few weeks, “the man” (also known as Mrs. Covington) deemed my economic ventures to be inappropriate for the jungle gym. I was dismayed and frustrated. Why could I not share my artistic vision with the world?
Luckily, this minor setback did not squelch my growing passion for art. Throughout my life, I have experimented with many different forms of art: painting, photography, precious metal clay, and stained glass paneling. The unique nature of each medium has allowed me to explore and develop my artistic viewpoint. Yet I never felt artistically “fulfilled” by any single form. That is, until I found polymer clay.
After taking a weeklong intensive seminar on polymer clay at the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts about 2 years ago, I was hooked. Since then, I have been working primarily in polymer clay and focusing on functional jewelry and accessories. I think of my pieces as simultaneously whimsical and highly structured. Principles of color theory and patternmaking greatly inform my aesthetic approach. I rarely use canes, instead preferring to stitch together each item individually. My designs and influences are constantly changing as I discover the myriad capabilities of this versatile medium.
I hope that you experience the same joy in wearing my pieces as I experienced in creating them. Perhaps now Mrs. Covington would approve.
Business Name: Tara Mazer
Phone: 205-478-7942
Email: taramazer@gmail.com