APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

This clay-focused apprenticeship will advance apprentice Misha Ali’s skills in harvesting, processing, testing, and creating work with local Maine wild clay while working with mentor Malley Weber. The focus includes responsibly identifying and harvesting clay sites, processing and cataloging materials, testing clay properties and additives, and developing reliable custom blends. Misha will apply these clays through wheel-throwing, hand-building, and clay 3D printing for both functional and sculptural work. Through 100 hours of one-on-one studio training, the apprenticeship supports the development of a sustainable and professional clay practice.

MENTOR

Malley Weber (Hallowell/Augusta, Maine)

Malley Weber is a ceramic artist and educator. She operates Kennebec Clay Works, a studio offering classes with a community of semi-professional members. Malley also teaches adjunct at UMaine. Teaching is a treasured part of her artistic practice. Over the past 30 years she has explored many avenues of making, selling, and exhibiting from her own gallery, guild shows to Craft Boston. She has spent years focusing on the use of native clay and is pleased to see others embrace a more natural approach with regard to materials.

APPRENTICE

Michelle ‘Misha’ Oraa Ali (Waterville, Maine)

Michelle ‘Misha’ Oraa Ali makes art {with, inspired by, critical of} science and technology. Drawing from their background as a Filipino-Indian, their practice combines ceramics with glass and physical computing elements to explore themes related to sustainability, authenticity, and disability. Their artwork has been exhibited internationally (USA, Turkey, Italy, India, Scotland) and they have taught at community studios and universities across New England.

“I want to work with Malley Weber because she has expertise in harvesting, processing and uses wild clay in her own work. She has taught classes on this topic at various studios and institutions around Maine, and is a fantastic teacher. She has really encouraged me to grow and challenge myself as an artist, and I believe that, as her apprentice, she will be able to provide me with critiques to best improve my work (both conceptually and physically).” – Misha Ali