MFA Gallery Presents: A Retrospective Exhibition 

"Pat Mase: A Life In Art"

Curated by Jeff Mase (her son), Debbie Giordano (her daughter),

and David Horowitz 

in honor of Pat's passing.

~Show Dates: Thursday June 11th - Sunday June 14th~

Join us for the Closing Reception 

on Sunday June 14th from 1pm-6pm

Patricia Lou Mase

April 1935 - January 2026

Artist’s Statement

"I am interested in the interaction between people and nature, as they routinely meet and coexist. In particular, the relationship of the gardener as artist and caregiver of trees, shrubs, plants and rocks intrigues me.  The dynamics between humans and nature, yielding associations and compromises, inform my art.  Nature and its universal rhythms of observable change are fascinating to me.

My stoneware pots are constructed initially from wheel-thrown sections which are combined and altered by hand building.  Sculptural elements extend fluidly from the surface, adding a three-dimensional aspect to the decoration.  The concentric rings from the wheel thrown sections contrast sharply with the rougher carved textures that imitate coral and other organic forms that are found in nature.

Using a combination of underglaze, glaze and overglaze, both matte and shiny, the pots are fired many times to build up the layers of color.  This layering creates a surface very similar to a fresco.  The bright primary colors add to the cartoon-like whimsy of the stories.

I often use classical shapes as inspiration. The decorative elements are reminiscent of the allegorical narrative myths found on ancient Greek vessels.  My own narration is a thinly veiled, rather comical metaphor for my like experiences, placed in an other-worldly landscape drawn mainly from an inner source.  There is often a surprise at the end of my art making process and my hand has revealed far more than I intended.

As I begin a project, much of the work takes place before I touch my materials.  Knowing what I wish to say and then deciding how to express my thoughts helps generate the energy to bring a body of work to life.  I rely upon experiential references for inspiration, then let the work grow and evolve.  There is always an edge of anticipation and a certain faith necessary to complete the cycle.

I always feel very fortunate to be making art."