I find it rather fascinating
that while looking at objects, we all bring in varying experiences to what we
see or are reminded of in a disparate number of interpretations. To that end, when
I first saw in this long, noble covered serving piece, all I could think of was
how it reminded me of the ancient Greek trireme, the ancient vessels of the
Peloponnesian Wars spanning decades, the Odyssey, Ulysses and other tales of a time of heroes. This wonderful detail shot is just one end of a wood
fired oval serving piece made of porcelain by Bruce Cochrane. Though I am
unsure of his inspiration and motivation, I am instantly transported to my
youth and reading about the heroic tales of the ancient Greeks and the wars
between the Athenaean and Spartan states vying for power, dominance over the
region. This long form is sandwiched between these
iconic ends which look like the fore and aft terminations of some vessel out of
history, slicing through the seas in perpetual movement. This end is clearly
the recepient of lots of ash which has melted and created a beautiful blue-grey
surface that shines and calls out for attention, a bit like the sirens of the
Ulysses tale making for a perfect handle or simple decoration that adds depth
and purpose to the enlongated, altered dish. It is funny what we see in a pot, what
reminds me of an ancient trireme may end up looking like something entirely
different to the next person who comes along.
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