About: Artist Sammie Nicely

BS/Art Education, Middle Tennessee State University, 1975

Sammie Nicely received his BS Degree concentrated on sculpture, weaving and photography. Since his graduation, Nicely has expanded his areas of interest with studies at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and through independent study and experimentation. His current areas of interest center around drawing and pit-fired clay.

The method of firing, known as pit-firing or primitive firing, is very similar to methods used by the Native Americans and some African tribes. The greenware is first decorated with slips and glazes prior to an electric kiln firing of 1800º. After the initial kiln firing, a second firing takes place. The pieces are removed from the kiln and stacked on the ground and a wood fire is built that covers all of the pieces. Once this fire attains a high flame, the wares are fired for one hour, then smothered with saw dust for forty minutes or longer. It is during this second firing that each piece receives it's individual color and character.

"As an artist, my work is an extension of myself and helps me to better understand my cultural heritage. It is a crucial means of self-understanding. I see art as the medium through which such understanding can be attained. I create art for self-satisfaction and a way of communicating with others. My art serves as a common ground for communication where each person has to bring their own identity into play in order to appreciate my work."

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