MazAmar Sculptural is a ceramics studio on 53626 Mane Street, in Pioneertown, CA, a Western tourist destination on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park.

The studio had humble beginnings in the year 2000, arising out of a car insurance settlement from a fender bender. That seed money gave then partners, Thomas and Amara, the serendipitous opportunity to invest in a kiln, wheel, some tools, a bit of clay and glaze and to begin making art pottery in their new desert home community. The studio’s pottery team has grown over time and taken over the functional pottery work so Thomas can focus on clay sculpture.

Self-taught, lead artist, Thomas Alban, now creates patterns in clay sculptural form, inspired by the nature that surrounds him in the Mojave Desert. His creative process is also informed by conversations with the clay, emerging from the unique piece as it speaks its desires and boundaries. Most pieces are formed in a limited series.

An expert in the French art of faux bois (false wood) sculpture, his realistic wood bowls which are actually made of clay, stand out in a room with their sublime and irregular, natural forms. Each bowl is one of kind, hand sculpted and glazed. While these exquisite bowls can have a functional purpose, they also effortlessly perform the role of a centerpiece sculpture.

Thomas’ current wall sculpture collection is the Refractory Series. These stunning wall art pieces connect sequences of pattern-scored clay bricks that are glazed together into a story. They have an eye-catching, elegant, rustic aesthetic, yet are subtle enough to complement almost any home decor theme.

These and more are available for purchase in the studio or here online. Custom orders are welcomed.