Casa de Medina
Elaine Medina
Elaine was born in Modesto, California on January 29th, 1928. After high school, she graduated with a degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse. In 1949, she married William ‘Bill’ Medina. Together they raised four children in Oakdale, while she also continued to work as a nurse.
Elaine came to be an artist later in life. It was after she retired from nursing that Elaine began her journey to become a ceramics artist. Her work was featured in local galleries and sold in boutiques throughout California. It continues to be highly collected.
Spanish styled ‘Italianware’
Elaine’s work was often referred to as “Italianware” by collectors during the time she was active. The bold colors on the white stoneware background, while similar to Mediterranean style, is also akin to Spanish style ceramics. Though she often used Italian-style molds, like pasta dishes, Elaine began using more modern molds for casserole dishes towards the later part of her career. Elaine’s inspiration was her life and surroundings in California and the styles blended into her signature pattern of large leaf green grape vines and beautiful flowers, grounded with the deep cobalt blue of the Pacific Ocean
In Memory
Elaine passed away in 2013. She leaves us a legacy of beautiful ceramic art that spanned over a decade. She is an inspiration that it is never too late to start something new. Her work continues to be loved, sold and collected today.
