Toya, Camilla (Mia) – Bowl with 22 Swirling Melon Ribs

Camilla “Mia” Toya (b. 1974) is a daughter of Maxine Toya and a sister of Dominique Toya.  She began making pottery when she was 14 years old.  Each piece is coil-built, carved, stone-polished and painted with clay slips.  This is one of her classic butterfly-lidded pieces. The large bowl has 22 swirling melon ribs that extend from the rim to the base. They are stone polished the natural color of the clay.  The top of the piece has a polychrome painted lid in the shape of a butterfly.  Mia says, “I love butterflies and have a strong passion for creating my own style of art.”  The butterfly is detailed and painted with various colors of clay slip.  The piece is striking in color and creative in design.  It is signed, “Camilla Toya”.