Local potter creates pieces for Pulse anniversary

It’s hard to miss Fabian Pesci’s artsy colorful tent at the Maitland Farmers Market. His large decorative display of handmade plates, trays and bowls easily draws in passers-by with its eclectic and elaborate designs.

The pottery, either inspired by his own imagination or designed according to customer requests, is all handmade in his home studio. To create his pieces, Pesci uses a variety of items, such as wedding dresses, welcome mats, Christmas decorations, ink stamps, doilies, lace and even starfish.

“You can use anything; you just have to be creative,” Pesci said.

Most recently, Pesci, 46, has channeled that creativity into one of the most special projects of his career: a collection of pieces to commemorate the first anniversay of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

As someone of Spanish heritage and a member of the LGBT community who also lost someone in the June 12, 2016, attack, Pesci immediately agreed to donate his time and talent to aid a cause so close to his heart. 

The project comprises 49 individual tiles depicting the names, ages and a colorful symbolic electrocardiogram that has become associated with the tragedy. When complete, the pieces either will be displayed in the Orlando Library or donated to the victims’ families.

“All of this is going to help somehow, I’m sure,” Pesci said. “And I’m glad I can be part of that. I’m so happy they chose me … but if they don’t use it, then it’s still fine. I would be happy to donate it to the families.”

Pesci first started pottery as a hobby six years ago. He learned how to make pieces of all shapes and sizes after a year of taking classes at a nearby pottery studio. Eventually, he was creating so many pieces that a teacher encouraged him to consider selling his work.

“I love it so much because of the creativity,” Pesci said. “It’s something you can make with your own hands. … It makes me so proud to make something other people can use in the oven or the dishwasher or treasure as memorabilia.”

Pesci took his teacher’s advice and sold out. Customers’ interest in his pottery and his love in creating it inspired him to launch his own independent business, Fabu Pottery, which he operates as a second job on top of his 16-year occupation as a professional home organizer. 

To market his skills, he attended several art festivals and shows for three years. His passion and artistry skills have given Pesci a comfortable income, and he now spends many of his evenings either crafting ornate and functional pottery or teaching others how during workshop classes held in his home.

“To make a plate, it takes me about one to two hours,” he said. “It depends on how hard it is to make the plate. But it takes three days to dry and then a day-and-a-half in a kiln. Then after I put the glaze on, it takes another day-and-a-half. So the whole process takes about a week or at least five days.”

The classes, limited to 10 people, are held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. However, Pesci has not offered any workshops the past two weeks so he could focus his attention on his Pulse anniversary project.

Contact Gabby Baquero at [email protected].