What a wonderful example of a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ conception! This whimsical tea pot has lines and angles that poke fun at the typical, ordinary, functional tea pot. It is an extremely ‘stylized’ version of the practical utilitarian pot.

The piece is Raku fired and is not meant to be functional but decorative. It does not hold water. The kettle is about 6" high and 6" across. The body of the work has a spout that resolves itself to a point that is so small it almost closes. One of the highlights of the piece is its handle, which is blown out of proportion for its size and is constructed of a slab of ‘industrial’ textured clay, adding a strong contrast to the semi-matte finish of the body.

The bulk of the pot is a rich metallic, copper color. The handle is an almost flat black. The body has a glaze which is covered with an extremely subtle black wash. This adds character and ‘shading’ to the body, making its form to stand out more strongly than it would otherwise.

The piece is crowned with a humorous ‘cover’ that is simply a small circular lid, placed at an angle matching the rest of the pot. The teapot is a bold contrast to utilitarian ware placed on a stove, or is a fresh and spontaneous addition to a serious collection. It is an original and one of a kind creation by an extremely clever artist.

CODE #6 – 33