Arc Bowl 2001

Curator: Here we have Ellen Shankin’s "Arc Bowl" from 2001, a fascinating earthenware ceramic piece. Its home is right here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: Oh, wow. My first thought is that it reminds me of a futuristic canoe, or some kind of ancient, unearthed vessel. It's grounded but reaching. The glaze has such subtle gradients, too. Earthy yet ethereal, like a quiet dream. Curator: Indeed, it's about finding the balance, I think. Given Shankin’s broader body of work, where she explores the functionality of domestic pottery versus its potential as abstract sculpture, we can consider this “Arc Bowl” as operating within shifting notions of utility, craftsmanship, and what it means to elevate a quotidian form to a work of art. It asks: where does pottery fit within these binaries? Editor: Binary, eh? I suppose… It’s got me thinking about what it could *hold*. Something precious, something simple. A single perfect bloom. A handful of soil. It’s begging for offerings! Also the the textures make me want to wrap my hands around it and take it out to a garden. Curator: The handle forms invite interaction, absolutely, they play with the haptic. It speaks to a historical narrative, the evolution of ceramics from practical containers to complex, aesthetic forms, which also relates to class and gender. As certain craft forms like ceramics were historically devalued, and associated with the domestic sphere often inhabited by women. Its presentation in a museum reframes that devaluation, placing a traditionally “feminine” art form within a high art context. Editor: Oh, I totally dig that reading. Defying categorization... so rebellious! It has this silent, strong presence; doesn’t shout but rather holds space. Now that I see how much dialogue Shankin is having with history, I want to do my best interpretation of some ancient priestess blessing some spring water using the Arc Bowl... Curator: It truly is a complex and generative piece, offering so much for viewers. It encapsulates various dialogues on value, utility, and history. Editor: For me, "Arc Bowl" feels like a conversation starter...not just about pottery but about our connection to earth, our history, and maybe most importantly, our imaginations. It definitely brought a spark into my day!