Rebecca Frola-Biss: Finding Joy, Challenge, and a Little Bit of Alchemy in Clay

Rebecca Frola-Biss Members Exhibition Feature;

For artist Rebecca Frola-Biss, clay is both a challenge and a playground. What began as a spontaneous date night at Touchstone quickly reignited her long-lost love for ceramics, setting her on a path of self-teaching, experimentation, and discovery. Now featured in the 2025 Touchstone Members Exhibition, Rebecca’s works celebrate curiosity, whimsy, and the unexpected — from a playful porcelain fountain to a pit-fired vase made with an unforgettable ingredient.

Becca is the founder and owner of Curious Creations Studio in Somerset, PA.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccstudiosoco/ Website: https://www.curiouscreationsstudio.com/

Read more about Rebecca’s work in this interview by Erica Nuckles, PhD, Touchstone Communications Committee member and Director of Learning, Engagement and Partnerships at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA.

What is your Touchstone story? How did you first hear about it and what drew you to be involved?  

My husband and I were invited to a date night way back in I believe 2019. It was a Blacksmithing Date Night. This was the first time I was ever on the campus. The other couple who invited us told us about the other date nights and I was hooked. I quickly signed us up for an upcoming ceramic one. After 2 hours in the class all of my High School training and love for ceramics came flooding back into me. Shortly after I purchased my wheel and started throwing independently at home. Then a kiln was purchased. 

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist—where did it begin, how has it evolved?  

I am fully self-taught. I do give a lot of credit to my art teachers in public school. From elementary through Senior High, I could always be found in the art rooms and covered in mud. I started mainly in sculpting and hand building. But did get to play sometimes on the wheel. After graduating I went to college and received a BA in Professional Writing. I just had a long period in my life that didn’t involve ceramics. It truly wasn’t until Touchstone that I fell back into love with it. 

How do you describe your work(s) in the Touchstone Members Exhibition?  Where did you find inspiration?  

My first piece, the Fountain, was created solely on challenging myself and my abilities. The piece is made entirely out of porcelain. I had very little experience working with it before but challenged myself to go as big as I could go. 

The Elephant Poop Pit Fire was me learning a different firing technique. I saw an episode of The Great Pottery Throwdown where they did pit fires. I thought it was the most magical thing. So, I went to work gathering as much knowledge and inspiration I could gather. My first two “dumpster fires” were done in a garbage can in my driveway. Then I started getting very involved at the International Conservation Center in Fairhope, PA. They have 4 African elephants from the Pittsburgh Zoo. I asked a few of the handlers if I could try using the dung in my fires. They asked me how much I wanted; they get over 1,500lbs a day. But I only took a small bucket worth.

What’s something unique about your process, materials, or approach?   

Cow patties are mainly used in Pit Fires. But I skipped all of that and went straight to the elephant. But I really should try cows. I honestly don’t know anyone else who has used elephant poop, I may actually be the only one. At least in America. All other organic materials are pretty common, salt, sugar, copper, miracle grow, banana pieces, and anything else I found that could catch on fire. 

How do you hope viewers engage with or interpret your work? What would you like them to take away?  

For the Elephant Poop vase, just the alchemy of colors. Every color on that vase is from the result of something catching on fire. No glazes were used. 
For the fountain, the whimsey of it. I went in with zero plans and ended up with a fun and funky piece. 

What does it mean to you to be featured in an exhibition at Touchstone?  

It means a great deal to me. I am sure every artist does this, and if they don’t, they may be a psychopath. But I make art for me, whether or not I think someone will like it or not. And I am truly surprised sometimes when people or art shows accept my pieces. I am truly honored and usually taken off guard. As stated above, Touchstone has a very special place in my heart and my art journey. I am so very honored to have 2 of my pieces in the exhibit. 

Do you have anything else you would like to share? 

I hope this is the beginning of many more to come. 

Visit the 2025 Touchstone Members Exhibition, on view through December 20, 2025, in the Bea Campbell Gallery at Touchstone in Farmington, PA. Click for gallery hours.