SundogsThe surface of these three pots is decorated by an abstract depiction of parhelions, or as they are more commonly known, "sundogs" --- an optical phenomenon which creates a "ring" of light around the sun. Although I've only witnessed this phenomenon a handful of times in my life, seeing it in person is an experience I would describe as "otherworldly", if only for a moment. In essence, this piece depicts a longing to recreate those magical moments that cannot truly be recreated --- those experiences that make you wish time would freeze. Despite the relative consistency of the design, each repetition bears the slight "imperfections" unavoidable when created by a human hand. The repeating pattern featured on these pots was recreated through the use of three distinct techniques: sgraffito, underglaze painting, and slip trailing. I selected these unique surface decoration techniques as further emphasis of the idea that a memory will never be perfectly recreated; it is only with change that something new and exciting can take shape. |