Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Fossil Plate


I wanted to try different spices this time with the local shrimp we purchased from a local fisherman. Here's the lunch I tossed together. I chopped a portobello mushroom in half inch squares and sauteed it just to soften and set the mushrooms aside.


Then I sauteed some fresh ginger and shallots, added the shrimp and sprinkled in a generous amount of thyme, chives, and turmeric. At the last minutes I added the mushrooms back over the top and folded them with the shrimp mixture. I served them with my usual vegetable medley.

This plate sits on a small round base and is 7 x 7 x 3/4 inch, Cone 11 reduction, Black Mountain stoneware clay with a brown glaze. You might wonder why I call it a fossil plate.Years ago I was at a show selling my high fire work. A young boy about 12 years old was very interested in my pottery. He looked at each piece with great interest. When he saw this plate he started rubbing his hands over the top. I explained the impression was made with a pine leaves and pine cone. He asked very seriously and with great wonder, "Is this a fossil?" I think I replied, I guess in a way it is a type of fossil. Sometimes at shows children are more interested in the pottery than the adults. I spend as much time talking with them as I can hoping they'll be encouraged to pursue some type of art. Now every time I see this plate I think of that young boy. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

9 comments:

  1. I am so hungry right now for fresh shrimp and I love that veggie medley.

    Your answer to that boy was perfect.

    It must be fun to eat meals on the pottery you made.

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  2. Wonderful story!

    I just ate breakfast, but your shrimp dish is making me hungry!

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  3. shrimp... my all time fave... especially served on a beautiful, handmade plate.

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  4. Turmeric is supposed to be very good for you. I try to add some to soups and stews. The only thing about it I don't like is the way it stains plastic spoons and bowls. It does give a lovely color to foods!

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  5. That sounds yummy and looks beautiful on your plate. I really enjoy talking to the students at Georgia Southern when I do that show in the spring. They are so interested in the art and the business. They have such great energy. I don't care that they seldom buy anything, they are just fun to talk to.

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  6. Yummy looking food on a beautiful plate. You and Gary must be feeling really healthy with all the fresh food you have available there. I love shrimp, but it must be fresh.

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  7. That plate really sets off the food. I am not keen on seafood but the veggies sound wonderful.

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  8. Hi Teresa, thanks, that's the best part of the shows is talking to those who appreciate the pottery.

    Hi Suzi, thanks, yeah I post these in the morning, but I made them at a more reasonable time, perhaps next time it'll be breakfast food. Ha.

    Hi Michele, thanks, I wish I had sets of some of my work, oh well will have to make more.

    Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks I read that turmeric is supposed to be good so I've been trying to use it more, that's the beauty of using pottery it doesn't stain it.

    Hi Lori, thanks, yes I enjoy talking to the young crowd too, and they often don't buy anything or want to know how to make something, but still enjoyable.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, yes we're hoping all this fresh food will keep us healthy for sure.

    Hi Patti, thanks, those vegetables have become a mainstay for us so easy to make and so good and I make a big batch and put them in a glass covered casserole dish in the frig and eat them for several days so I don't have to cook as often which makes it nice. I've even had them for breakfast, Ha.

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  9. That plate is beautiful and the shrimp and veggies look scrumptious! Love the spices that you used, too.

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment