This piece is part of the Botanical Collection inspired by my year-long residency on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, one of the last unspoiled public open spaces along the California coast. Display or use as a vase.
THE STORY: Our coastline path is dotted with yellow when the gumplant is blooming. And they really are sticky. According to preserve docent Gil Eastman, Native Americans on the California coast used it as a medicinal plant. According to the USC report Native American Uses of California Plants, gumplant was used to treat skin infection, to ease bronchial distress, and as a treatment for poison oak. It is still used today as an ingredient in commercial washes for poison oak.
ABOUT: This vessel started on the potter's wheel as a smooth cream-colored clay that is a mixture of stoneware and porcelain. After forming, I altered it into an oval shape and trimmed the top to give it a narrow lip. The surface design began with an overall application of black underglaze. I then began etching the plants, and ended with taking out all of the black between the leaves and flowers. I then went into each blossom and added yellow underglaze.
The last step was to use a tool to texture all of the background surface. After the first bisque firing, the piece was glazed inside with a color matte glaze. The outside was clear glazed.
SIZE: 8" H x 8.5" W x 5.75"D
Piece will be shipped/delivered after "On the Trail" show closed on Feb. 2.