Pottery Picture Frame c. 1939

This Pottery Picture Frame was made by Fritz Boehmer sometime during his lifetime, employing the humble material of clay. Consider the transformation that Boehmer, as a craftsman, has performed: he's taken earth, a substance literally underfoot, and elevated it to high design. The frame’s concentric circles, one adorned with a rhythmic scallop pattern, and the other with bead-like adornments, speak to the care with which he has shaped and detailed the material. This likely involved several stages, from preparing the clay, shaping it, firing it in a kiln, and perhaps glazing to achieve its smooth, finished surface. This piece invites us to reflect on the work involved in production. Boehmer challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft by bringing a high level of skill and artistry to a functional object. Appreciating the artistry, the material, and the making process, we recognize the deep cultural value embedded in this frame.