Sarah Gross: Plant-Inspired Works, 2022-2023
This piece references classical architectural ornamentation such as ancient Greek and Roman garlands and wreaths, and the bas-relief ceramics of the Della Robbia family of sculptors in the Italian renaissance. Molded with a clay that releases soluble salts over time, this piece simulates the patina of old flowerpots left to weather in the garden.
Alternately hopeful and despairing, Festoon changes as you move around it. Stylized fruit forms appear black and lifeless from one side, and glow with color from the other. It references classical architectural ornamentation such as ancient Greek and Roman garlands and wreaths, and the bas-relief ceramics of the Della Robbia family of sculptors in the Italian renaissance. Fertility, victory, and abundance clash with drought, climate change, and loss. A bluebird, hidden in plain sight, rewards those who take the time to look.
The wreaths is a symbol of cyclical time and changing seasons. This series of four wreaths is features four seasonal harvests: oranges in winter, tomatoes in summer, squash in fall, and artichokes in spring. The wreaths appear austere and stony from one angle, and shining with vibrant color when viewed from the other side.
Captions
- Festoon (Winter), 2023, earthenware, 29.5”x62”x10”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Festoon, 2023, stoneware, glaze, 29.5”x62”x10”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Harvest Wreaths, 2023, earthenware, glaze, each approximately 19”x19”x5”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Basket, 2023, stoneware, glaze, 14”x12”x14”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Dilated Flowerpot, 2023, earthenware, glaze, 5.75”x17.5”x17.5”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Flowerpot, 2023, earthenware, glaze,11.5”x12.5”x12.5”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- March to November, 2023, earthenware, 37.5”x37.5”x5”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Portrait, 2022, earthenware, handmade rope and tassel, 47”x8”x8”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- The Performer, 2022, earthenware, glaze, rayon, 47”x8”x8”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Urn, 2023, earthenware, glaze, 9”x11”x10”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Vanitas #3, 2022, stoneware, glaze, 14”x14.5”x14.5”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
- Vanitas #1, 2022, earthenware, glaze, 11”x13”x11”, Photo credit: Aaron Paden
