After applying the underglaze, the piece undergoes a second firing, typically to cone 04. To create clean, sharp shapes, I employ tape as a resist (28). I then selectively apply glaze for a final firing between cone 04 and cone 5, depending on the chosen glazes. 

Many of the patterns I incorporate are inspired by Taíno symbology, particularly the Zemi, a deity revered for its supernatural powers. Each Zemi reflects the rich artistry and beliefs of my ancestors, much of which was tragically lost during colonization. I also draw inspiration from the naïve aesthetic of Caribbean art, which captures the essence of everyday life—animals, nature, and the human experience. Through this fusion, I aim to honor my heritage and reclaim narratives that have been untold or misrepresented.

Michelle Solorzano, "Soñando Despierta," red stoneware, underglaze, glaze, wire, jute, cow teeth, 2024. courtesy Ceramics Monthly

Clay and Beyond

I have always been a maker, driven to create by any means necessary—whether working with recycled materials, found objects, fibers, or whatever my sculpture demands. Growing up, I admired the ingenuity within my community, where resourcefulness was a way of life. Carnaval, for instance, is a perfect example of this: artisans crafting intricate costumes and masks from discarded elements and recycled materials, turning nothing into something extraordinary. 

In bringing my sculptures to life, I often weave non-ceramic materials into the work. Found objects, wire, fibers, cow teeth, rope, and other carefully chosen elements are integrated to add symbolic depth to the narratives. These materials become extensions of the stories my sculptures tell, enriching their meaning and resonance. 

the author Michelle Solorzano is a figurative ceramic sculptor from the Dominican Republic, currently residing in California as a long-term artist in residence at the American Museum of Ceramic Arts. To learn more, follow her on Instagram: @michelleisolorzano or visit her website: michellesolorzano.com