Stoneware Tray

Artist: Heidi Petersen

artist photo by Annie Hock Photography

Size: 14.5" x 9.5" x .75"

Bio of a Tray:

I hand built this ceramic tray in the autumn of 2016 as a relief from the anger and frustration I was feeling toward the then Republican presidential candidate. I've had several offers to buy it, but really, I feel pretty connected to this piece and can't see taking money for it. But I also can't imagine keeping it. It doesn't do me any good holding on to it and yet it speaks to me more than any piece I've made in a long while.

Here are the reasons I suspect I love it so much.
1. Carving the punching fists and flaming background was spontaneous and super cathartic.... "Whew", I said!
2. The sgraffito technique of carving into the clay can be a pain, but in this case it was perfect.
3. Most of all.... the fists are as powerful today as they were four years ago. In 1893 Emma Lazarus wrote "Until we are all free, we are none of us free." The need for liberation from tyranny and oppression is universal and timeless; we should all be as mad as hell.

Nowadays I mostly make functional ceramic ware which you can see at TABLE, my studio/shop in Santa Margarita, and in several local restaurants where you will find it hidden under tasty food!

www.HeidiPetersenCeramics.com