Vase 1895 - 1908

This vase was made by Dedham Pottery sometime between 1895 and 1943. Look at the way the glazes drip and flow, it reminds me of how when I’m painting, I start with an idea, but then the paint takes over, doing its own thing. The colors are earthy—deep reds, grays, and hints of green—all blending together like a stormy landscape. You can almost feel the weight of the clay, the smoothness of the glaze, and the heat of the kiln. I see the way the colors pool and run, creating these unpredictable patterns, and I am drawn to the middle section, where the glaze has pooled to create an almost luminous orange area. It is like the kiln has kissed this vase, leaving behind a warm, molten glow. This piece reminds me a little of the work of Lucie Rie, who also celebrated the beauty of imperfection and the unpredictable nature of the ceramic process. It's a good reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, full of happy accidents and endless possibilities.