Theresa Mustafa
Theresa Mustafa Tile Works
Boonton, New Jersey
@theresamustafa
https://www.facebook.com/theresa.mustafa/
Artist Statement
I have been drawn to the art of ceramic tile since childhood when I first became fascinated with miniature mosaics. In college, I studied Roman and Byzantine mosaics, took ceramic courses, and began to create my own ceramic tile designs. At that time I had the good fortune to work for Debby Hagar, a gifted mosaic tile artist in Knoxville, Tennessee. We made ceramic, glass, and marble tile for residences and businesses. In the years after I graduated and moved away, I sought out private studios and community schools wherever I happened to live. I returned to school to study ceramics at Montclair State University in northern New Jersey where I completed a Master of Arts in May, 2012. I also completed the three-month apprenticeship at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in 2015. I strive to create my personal aesthetic by experimenting with new techniques, methods of tile production, and designs.
Studio Description
My clay and glaze work takes place in my home basement. I built a garage space in 2023 where my kilns, tile press, extruder, and inventory are kept.
What type of clay do you use?
Either Standard Clay or Tucker's, depending on where it's going to be installed and what color clay body I want to use for the pieces.
What temperature do you fire to?
Typically cone 6, or cone 02 for a terra-cotta clay body.
What is your primary forming method?
Slab rolling or slicing with a wire tool on a board fitted with square dowels.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Stains and celadons for carved details.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Yes, Frank Georgini's tile press, slicing boards, a bow saw wire tool, and plaster molds similar to Henry Mercer's techniques
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Varied
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Short commute
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Clay
What are your top three studio wishes?
Insulation, walls, and heat for my garage space.
What’s on your current reading list?
Audiobooks: historical fiction and mysteries, typically set in the UK.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Buy only what's needed for the current project. I am not typically tempted by the next shiny tool.
How do you recharge creatively?
Visit museums
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Make more money doing what I love!
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
To be a glaze expert. I've got carving down pat, but I ruin things with glaze.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Better glazing and installation techniques
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
DeBorah Goletz. She is a tile maker and potter in the state where I live and is very knowledgeable.
What is on your studio playlist?
Louise Mosrie (my sister!), Pandora: Joan Shelley, Chet Baker when I am depressed or need to concentrate, Telepomusik when I'm feeling dancy
Why do you create art?
I think it's satisfying to look at a completed installation of my tiles.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Time. It has its own schedule and that can be frustrating. And it's very heavy to schlep it around!
