Earthen Jug c. 1940

Ursula Lauderdale made this earthy earthenware jug out of what, I imagine, began as a lump of clay and, through sheer patience and intuition, she coaxed it into a vessel. I can imagine Lauderdale’s hands covered in clay, her mind focused on the simple act of creation. The color palette is modest, dominated by warm browns and soft blues, giving it a grounded, organic feel. It’s almost as if the jug itself emerged from the earth, bearing traces of the soil and the sky. The glaze runs thick in places, pooling and gathering, creating a sense of depth and texture that invites touch. Looking at this piece, I can’t help but think about the long history of pottery and the countless hands that have shaped clay into functional, beautiful forms. Each gesture, each mark, is a record of the artist’s presence and a testament to the enduring power of craft.