Zinnia Salad Plate by Rothshank Artworks
Measures approximately 8.5" in diameter.
Handmade by Justin Rothshank of Rothshank Artworks in Goshen, Indiana.
This plate is made of earthenware clay, white glaze, and decal transferred images. Microwave and dishwasher safe, although hand washing is recommended.
Due to its handmade nature, the piece you receive will be similar, but not identical to the one pictured.
I have been working as a studio ceramic artist in Goshen, Indiana since 2009. My pots are intended for use. Each piece is handmade. I use an electric potter’s wheel that is set upon a stand that I built so that I can throw standing up. I have found that throwing while standing has been more relaxing and healthy for me.
After each piece is created it is fired, unglazed, for a first firing. Generally, each piece is then dipped in liquid glaze and fired for a second firing. After the glaze firing each piece is decorated using a variety of ceramic decals. I find these decals from a multitude of sources, and some are custom designed and printed in house. Some of them I design myself and have printed by custom print shops, some I purchase from commercial manufacturers, others I acquire thru eBay or from friends.
These decals are cut apart, re-assembled, and applied using a water-slide technique. I find decals wherever I can. I have sourced decals from China, Australia, Denmark, South Africa, Great Britain, and the United States. During this stage I might also hand paint some pieces with Gold, Silver, or Platinum luster or China paints. Usually I layer decals and fire pieces for a 3rd, 4th, or 5th firing, or more, to achieve a layered, collage effect.
Many times, I will fire my ceramic pieces in a wood fired or gas fired kiln. I will apply custom decals to the unglazed pottery before loading into the kiln, thus achieving a unique, layered approach to my pieces with atmospheric, natural ash glazed surfaces.
All of my pottery is meant to be used. The pieces that contain hand painted metallic lusters or luster decals are entirely safe to use but cannot be put into a microwave. I recommend hand washing or occasional dishwasher cleaning, but not frequent dishwasher use with my pieces.
We recognize that the land we have been living on for the past 10 years is the ancestral home of the Potawatomi Nation. The Potawatomi people were stewards of this land for many generations leading up to an unjust treaty in 1828 when the land was taken by the United States Government and the Potawatomi were forcefully removed and relocated.
We recognize that we have grown up with privileges that many members of our local and global community do not enjoy. We're working to change systems, both macro and micro, to make life more equitable for all. Being an ally is a lifelong pursuit for us. We've failed often, and likely will again. We're open to criticism. We feel strongly that being artists, culture makers, and people of faith means risk taking and failure.
We are donating what we can and making sure our voices are heard through our votes and through the businesses we support. We are trying to learn more, reading books together as a family by Black Authors about Black history and experiences. We're creating artworks to honor a more complete history of our country in an effort to educate ourselves and the communities that engage with our work.
We are working to build collaborative networks of artists from different backgrounds. We believe that collaboration is a vulnerable experience. There is of course the possibility of rejection or disappointment. Despite this risk, there has never been a more relevant time to reach out to the stranger in our lives and seek collaboration among ourselves. Vulnerability in this way opens us up to learning and building new relationships.
As part of our commitment to the Mennonite faith we tithe 10% of all our income, which we earn by selling our artwork. We are conscientious objectors to war and work actively to promote nonviolent means of reconciliation. In tithing our money we support racial justice, craft based education, Immigrant Justice, environmental preservation, fair housing standards and other means of creating a more equitable and peaceful society. We are committed to lead through example and action.
Find more of Justin's work here.
