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: You'll see the yellow sand-verbena along the edge of the preserve bluff trail. It's a hardy plant that grows in succulent mats that spread along the sand, and thrives on sea spray.
It's a real help in curbing erosion along the bluff edge since its impressive root system can extend 15 feet or more. Watch for the yellow flowers from May - October. You'll see that the stems always seem to be covered with grains of sand.
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 to give additional interest to the lip. The surface design began with an overall application of black underglaze. I then began etching the plant's flowers and leaves, and then took out all of the black "behind" the plant. The next step was to add the yellow underglaze in the flowers.
The final 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 teal blue glaze The outside was clear glazed.
SIZE: 8" H x 9" W x 5.5"D
Piece will be shipped/delivered after "On the Trail" show closed on Feb. 2.