ARTICHOKE HEART VASE PAIR
$44.00

All Choked Up

Sculptress Melanie Mckenney finds her inspiration in nature—not the typical flowers and trees, but in the abundant textures and colors of ordinary fruits and vegetables.

In this two-part, earthenware vase set she has captured the quirky shape of this peel-apart vegetable in delicious detail.

She forms a slip-cast mold from an actual artichoke to recreate the overlapping petals that make up its exterior. Leaving no detail to the imagination, the artist halves the choke and casts its fascinating interior, from its outermost leaves to its coveted heart, in intricate detail. She finishes off her delicious creation with food-safe, non-toxic glazes that capture the rich greens and deep purples found in the edible original.

More than just a charming ode to one of nature's most sculptural creations, each piece's hollowed top holds a freshly-picked bloom. Create a scrumptious centerpiece on your kitchen table, balance a whole room by placing the split halves in unexpected spots. Or give them as a gift to bring a whole new meaning to the concept of giving your heart to someone. Handmade in Tonawanda, New York.

Exclusively at UncommonGoods.

• Item ID: 23349
• Materials: earthenware
• Each half: 2.875" H x 3.5" W
• Dishwasher safe; not microwave safe.

Melanie Mckenney

Melanie Mckenney originally hails from Buffalo, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from nearby Alfred University in 2006, but continued her training through numerous workshops, including study at the Studio Arts Centers International in Florence, Italy. Melanie helped to run a non-profit ceramics program in Lexington, MA, before returning to Buffalo, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Melanie finds the inspiration for her functional pottery in nature, and believes that capturing those natural forms in clay evokes a new appreciation for everyday objects. Often taken for granted, fruits and vegetables display a rich variety of shapes, colors, and textures. By casting directly from the actual fruit or vegetable, Melanie is able to capture these in detail. Her line of Vegetabowls^c has been in production since 2010, and she hopes to promote local farming, healthy eating, and an appreciation for handmade housewares. See all creations.