Wynn Wilbur

This recent work has evolved from the singularly conceived, functional pieces from past years. While still technically utilitarian in form, these pieces that visually reflect my personal relationship with the world outside, work best in groups and thereby conceptually confuse the idea of utility. While each mug can function by itself in a traditional way, the group must be united to reveal the complete visual reflection of my surroundings. Each platter series contains segments of a single snapshot of places that I have traveled to frequently over my lifetime. Instead of the iconic, instantly readable tourist photo, these images represent intimate and personal records of the passage of time in a familiar place. In addition, they move away from the idea of utility by paying homage to the ceramic chargers of Renaissance Italy that acted as a canvas to be hung and appreciated visually, rather than filled with spaghetti.