Silver Linings, a Small Collection of Objects
The Silver Linings Collection will be available tomorrow, Saturday June 13 at noon CT.
I really hate the phrase 'silver linings', it asks us to focus on the positive... which when I was recovering from and prior to my hip replacement surgery as things were going down hill I was certainly not looking for. And yet, and yet, with the reflection of the passing of time, and also the pain and limp now in the back view mirror, I can see that with out this period of immobility I may never have stopped and taken the time to pause and try a new way of creating with clay.
The pieces which I am releasing tomorrow were made when my hip limitations prevented me from working at the wheel. Still wanting to do something with my hands, I had an idea for geometric forms built from slabs of clay. I tested my ideas with construction paper first, and created stencils from the pieces once I felt the proportions were correct.
The large pieces below take over 10 hours to make. Time I had handily during my recovery.
The pieces were built before my hip replacement, afterwards I really did not have a plan for the glaze. I sat with the pots and let the ideas emerge.
Pentagram Vases
$750-900
Pentagram vases are built up from a pentagram base. Beginning a form from a shape which is not symmetric has created pieces which appear symmetric from some angles, and a bit off kilter from others. Viewed from different points, it appears quite different.
The red clay pentagram vase was burnished for a light sheen. The inside is glazed cobalt blue, with the deep facet areas popping with a cool matte blue.
The above piece has a slight leak from an error in the construction. I am debating weather to part with it but you may inquire from me if interested.
With the marbled pieces, I was really stumped by how to finish the forms. I glazed the insides and the faceted areas with glossy glaze, and fired them. When they emerged, they just seemed too plain, or unfinished. Somehow the idea came to use the marbled surface as a background to woodland themes. I was very happy with the additional painting, and the marbleized surface adds depth to the painted underbrush, streams and trees.
Green Pentagram vase is sold
The Bathers Pentagram vase is the largest. I added figures on the banks of the stream. I was thinking of how we continue to mine nature and strip it for parts, forgetting that we are part OF nature. We depend on it, and ravaging it's generosity as we do will only yield to an inevitable downfall, not just for humanity but all the amazing creatures who call this planet home.
Sculptural Pitcher Forms
$750
The second paper form I created is a pitcher form. It is more of an object of beauty then a functional pitcher- although it is sealed, it does not pour well. Rather it may be better suited as a vase for fresh or dried arrangements. I've given myself permission to veer from the purely functional. This piece has rounded elements, outstretching grace and perched upon a pedestal, it could look fragile. The handle took some time to work out- and in the end, juxtaposing the form with a bulky handle was the way to go (handle is hollow). Folks at shows have asked if it is heavy. These pieces are made from clay which is 1/4" thick. The pitchers pedestal intentionally holds some weight to stabilize the form.
In the end glazing these pieces led to a new combinations and new ways to use my existing glazes. I brushed and poured 4-5 glazes to achieve these varied results and the have been inspired to apply them to other forms in my current work body. (mugs coming soon!).
They are called Forest, Tidal, and Sea Foam. I enjoy how these names also signify earth, where the land meets the sea, and the sea it's self.
'Forest' pictured above will be sold as a sample as the form was still being worked out, but the glaze I am mesmerized by.
Shell pieces- Soap dishes and Trinket Pedestal
Soap Dish $60, Trinket Pedestal $90
I maybe used to think that living in the midwest, maybe sea shell pieces were not for me to make. Which is a little crazy, and growing up on the east coast, whenever we did make it to the ocean, I would be the child scouring the sand for the prettiest color of shells.
I've also changed this mind set, of course sea shell imagery is for everyone, but even more, today- we know that we are so connected to the oceans, even those of us who live in the middle of the country. We may not have to liberty to view the endless waves rolling to the shore, but we are no doubt affected by the ocean, and it's moderation of global temperature. We are all connected. I think that this theme is emerging in my work, though it may be surface, and not fully developed, these are some of the things which I think about when making.
My mom has generously made her amazing vegan soaps to accompany my shell soap dishes. I will make these dishes as long as she is willing to stock me. Amazing is not a small word for her soaps- they last so long and she is mindful to use ingredients that are not harmful to the planet (no palm oil) and real, quality essential oils. Each soap dish will come with her 'Barefoot on Moss' Soap in Bergamot-Oud or Lavender scent.
I also have one raised pedestal shell dish left from my last show (more in the works). I see these as holding jewelry pieces which are often worn. Honestly they are beautiful just as is. 
The center of the dish is splashed with a reflective palladium glaze, surrounded by the bubbling sea foam.
Tulip Bowl
$330
My last offering from my latest work is the tulip bowl in a verdant green. This is a stunning decorative bowl with tulips seemingly floating up through the surface. It embodies my love of tulips, the first kiss of Spring.
The Silver Linings Collection will be available tomorrow, Saturday June 13 at noon CT.
Thank you so much for viewing the collection. Feel free to email me with any questions.
-Emilie