Gathering the Shore | Ceramic Demijohn Inspired by Lake Michigan

Gathering the Shore

Commissioned • Not Available

Gathering the Shore is a one-of-a-kind commissioned ceramic demijohn inspired by years of walking the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The gently layered form echoes the movement of waves as they shape the sand. Lake Michigan beach sand is incorporated into the exterior glaze, creating a surface with quiet texture and subtle variations that continue to reveal themselves the longer you look. A trail of seagull tracks climbs the vessel, recalling the temporary footprints left behind before the next wave washes them away.

Inside, a deep orange glaze glows like the warmth of a late summer sunset. Near the opening, delicate crystals formed during the firing catch the light, reminding me of the sun twinkling across the surface of Lake Michigan.

Each piece is made one at a time in my Grand Haven, Michigan studio. This demijohn was created as a commissioned work and has found its home, but I hope it offers a glimpse into the continuing story of my shoreline-inspired ceramics.