Description
Contemporary Slipware Dinner Plate – Machines of Loving Grace
This striking hand-crafted slipware dinner plate combines traditional ceramic techniques with a bold contemporary edge. Its glossy black surface is animated by playful circles in warm shades of yellow and orange, creating a lively, almost kinetic pattern. At its heart sits a collaged image that references Richard Brautigan’s iconic poem “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace” (1967), later reimagined by filmmaker Adam Curtis in his acclaimed 2001 BBC documentary of the same title.
The juxtaposition of 20th-century optimism about technology substituted for the reality of the negative impact of social media on society. The imagery of the world being manipulated from on high invites reflection on our enduring entanglement with machines, who serves who. The style of Barbara Kruger is used to link to Adam Curtis’ style of documentary making.
The plate is unique, made through slipware techniques that leave subtle variations in texture and tone. Both functional and conceptual, it can be displayed as wall art or used as a conversation-starting dinner plate.
- Material: Earthenware with slip decoration and collage detail
- Finish: Gloss glaze, food-safe (though recommended for decorative use)
- Edition: One-of-a-kind, handmade piece
This plate is not just tableware—it is a thoughtful collision of craft, poetry, and media history, a contemporary artwork that bridges utility and reflection.
