GO TELL THE SPARTANS

Over the years, I have created quite a few trailed and carved slipware that represents various classical history and stories, maxims, quotations, etc. stemming from a misspent youth watching movies, reading sci-fi, fantasy and history. Relying on classic slipwares from all the way back to ancient Greece and somewhat more recent age of Thomas Toft, the decorations and design are only limited by one's imagination and enthusiasm. Illustrated is a small bowl part of a series of carved slipware that illustrates individuals or moments in history; this particular one of a noble Spartan warrior on his way to Thermopylae. Simply executed and surrounded in a key-fret border the use of black slip and a rich terra cotta harkens back to the red or black figure pottery of ancient Greek art. Among the other images that I completed are figures and characters like Zeus, a Conquistador, a Landsknecht and several others. These were quite fun to create and with just a few details, I think it brings the images from history to life.

"Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by That here, obedient to their laws, we lie."  Simonides of Ceoas (556BC - 469BC)