Stephanie M Wilhelm

I find inspiration in the history of decorative ceramics moving beyond conventional function and form, creating union between shape, ornamentation, and story. One particular theme in my work uses narrative of the dog to communicate the internal sense of belonging and comfort formed through companionship. These large decorative pieces are used not to convey a specific animal, but instead a feeling and our innate desire to belong. Aside from what dogs provide us emotionally in our current lives; within many canonic masterpieces they were essential to the meaning of the piece and depicted to symbolize protection, loyalty, and love. In my most recent body of work I am interested in how the layers of pattern and texture can call attention to the piece, provide visual direction, and emphasize depth within its decorative surface. A new interest in sewing has encouraged me to incorporate visual elements influenced by how patterns meet at a seam. They can interrupt one another, feel swallowed by an edge, or emphasize a rim and change our perception of the form. The work I make requires a great deal of hand painting and sitting down with each piece encourages me to ask questions about the relation between functional and decorative form.



Floral Sipper

$65.00



Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Pink Floral Vase

$550.00



Purple Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Purple Floral Vase w/ Cuttouts

$350.00



Floral Sipper



Floral Mug



Deep Blue Incense Chimney



Pink Floral Platter


   

Floral Sipper

$65.00



Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Pink Floral Vase

$550.00



Purple Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Purple Floral Vase w/ Cuttouts

$350.00



Floral Sipper



Floral Mug



Deep Blue Incense Chimney



Pink Floral Platter



Floral Sipper

$65.00



Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Pink Floral Vase

$550.00



Purple Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Purple Floral Vase w/ Cuttouts

$350.00



Floral Sipper



Floral Mug



Deep Blue Incense Chimney



Pink Floral Platter


 

Floral Sipper

$65.00



Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Pink Floral Vase

$550.00



Purple Floral Tumbler

$70.00



Purple Floral Vase w/ Cuttouts

$350.00



Floral Sipper



Floral Mug



Deep Blue Incense Chimney



Pink Floral Platter