When I first saw a photo of a plate by Solomon Grimm, a redware potter from Pennsylvania in the early 1800’s, I couldn’t quite figure out his technique. So, I wondered as a I wandered around the studio. It wasn’t until I made a research trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art that I saw how Grimm used thick layers of clay in slip form to create a very contemporary looking piece. One wonders what others thought of such a unique piece in this time period. Well, Grimm’s piece inspired me to create my star plate and people of our time period seem to be drawn to the cosmic look of the marbled background.
I wonder if Solomon enjoyed laying on his back watching the beautiful night sky over Pennsylvania. In any case, Thank You Mr. Grimm, for your “star of wonder”.