Written by Megin Potter | Photos Provided
Since before Christmas was born, civilizations have been celebrating and offering thanks to the Creator and the Earth, with joyous feasting and gift-giving.
Our present-day holiday spread is a collage of ancient life and traditions as they assimilated through time.
This season, what will you bring to the table?
Handmade Holiday Tableware with Ancient Origins
By examining excavated pottery chards, we know shaping clay was one of humanity’s first imaginative endeavors. Creating pottery embodies our connection to the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Pottery’s presence at our holiday banquet reminds us of our historic origins.
“When you think about clay and its uses, it really was the first art form and enabled our survival all over the world,” said Rachel Garrison, owner of Round Lake Pottery. “In life, it served as a vessel for water, wine, and oil. In death, an urn for the body’s ashes.”
Inspired by early architecture and carvings, Rachel creates pieces that stand the test of time.
An Appreciation for Nature’s Abundant Symmetry
Symmetry is plentiful in nature, history, and Round Lake Pottery.
Symmetrical hand-carved designs on mugs, plates, bowls, serving dishes, and more) evoke feelings of unity, order, and appreciation - nourishing the soul.
Beautiful porcelain vessels and urns are a nod to the Romans and peoples of Northern Europe - the Normans of Norse Mythology, and those from the medieval Gothic period.
Art with Integrity
In 1976, while an undergraduate at SUNY Plattsburgh, Rachel worked with clay but earned her degree in medical illustration. She practiced the profession for 15 years, before returning to school to concentrate on ceramics and earn a graduate degree in Education. For the next 20 years, Rachel was an art teacher at Shenendehowa High School.
“I’m grateful I worked with the students as long as I did. It’s a passion and it’s very meaningful. It becomes a part of you,” she said.
“I taught my students that art should have its own integrity and to create art for art’s sake. In my heart, I believe the artwork is going to outlive the wallpaper and everything else in a room,” she said.
Adding Round Lake Pottery pieces to your holiday table collection is a heartwarming reminder of lasting memories. Find it at the Saratoga Arts Gallery Shop, 320 Broadway, Saratoga and at the Broken Mold Studio, 284 River Street, Troy.
Rachel Garrsion will also be at the Main St. Studio Holiday Market, 786 Charlton Road, Ballston Lake, on November 25th & 26th, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.. To find more of her work, follow Round Lake Pottery on Instagram.
