About The Artist, Mara!

Mara, an accomplished painter, sculptor and ceramicist, 

studied engraving with the famous artist Alfredo Zalce, 

who painted many portraits of his lovely artist protégé. 

After studying art in London, she began working with 

high-temperature ceramics and created wonderfully 

unique glazes for her pieces. She then went on to study 

with the Italian ceramist, Bruno Terese, in Italy. Mara 

has had numerous expositions of her original pieces in 

Europe, the United States and Mexico.

"She has developed a fine sensibility in schematic and 

precise line drawings. Ceramics is no easy medium for 

precise line drawings, yet Mara has mastered her technique 

with brush and stylus and has been able to portray her life 

experiences with unrivaled naturalness. We see her universe 

on parade in all of her pieces, whether they be vases or 

plaques. Flowers, birds and geometric designs all represent 

her personal vision and display her unique perceptions of 

the world." Alfredo Zalce, May 1994

Sadly, after a long illness, Mara passed away in November 

2007.  Since Ceramica Mara has always been an extended 

family operation, production of her fine works has continued.  

Mara's husband, children and loyal apprentices have consistently 

carried out day to day production.  Her husband Mariano, 

an architect, artist and Ceramica Mara business manager, is

 passionate about continuing Mara's legacy.  Her daughter 

Alexandra, artist and history professor, has also stepped in 

to help the family make a seamless transition in the continuation 

of  the fine production of Ceramica Mara.

Mara was a very prolific artist and, while her current designs 

are still in production, she has left numerous yet un-introduced 

designs to be presented in the future.  Alexandra, carrying on 

her mother's fine tradition, has also been creating ceramic 

designs which we were honored in debut 2008 and continue 

offering today.  Mara brought all the beauty of her soul to walk 

this earth.  We at Blaze are ever grateful for her creative gifts and 

send our prayers that her journey continues in beauty and love.  

We take great pleasure in knowing that Mara's artistic stoneware 

will grace all our lives for many, many years to come.

"Stoneware Lovers USA, here to serve you!"

Helpful Information On Stoneware Products!

Because Stoneware Lovers USA strives to find the best 
quality products for our customers, we research whats 
new and try to bring you tips on how to keep your 
stoneware for years to come.

Earthenware, for example, is not impervious and will absorb
liquids. Porcelain china is said to be a variety of stoneware
although always whiter in appearance. In its natural state stoneware
will appear gray or brown, but typically glazes willbe applied before
firing to make the stoneware any color the manufacturer and
consumer desires. For this reason, on its surface, stoneware can
be difficult totell apart from porcelain china. Some consumers like
natural, earth tones that gowell with any color of food and any
home décor.

There are also many bright Stoneware is for all practical purposes
man-made stone. Just desired shape and solid colors and bright
patterns available, including ornately hand-painted Stoneware is
for all practical purposes man-made stone. Just desired shape and
designs that rival the finest of china.

Typically, stoneware is very durable and will withstand heavy
daily handling. It might not stand up to a drop on a hard tile floor,
but it may survive drops on vinyl or wood flooring. When one
first buys one's stoneware dinnerware set, unpack it right away
and inspect each piece for breakage. It is not unusual to find broken
pieces, and most reputable stores will exchange sets or individual
pieces if addressed in a timely fashion. At first, the consumer will
feel like being very careful when handling their new dinnerware,
but in time the stresses of typical housekeeping will creep in and
the dishes will be subjected to the ordinary bangs and clangs of
daily use. Most stoneware dinnerware sets are labeled microwave,
oven, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.

When making one's choice of which dinnerware set to buy, take
into account that plate, bowl, and mug sizes are not uniform across
all styles and manufacturers. One may find dinner plates of a larger
or smaller size than one is accustomed to. The bowls may be of
differing sizes and of a shallow shape or deeper design. The capacity
of the mug or cup may be an important consideration to some
customers.
"Stoneware Lovers USA, here to serve you!"