Ceramicist Ken Merrick has been working in clay (mostly stoneware) for more than 50 years. This beautiful and striking spoon holder or vase is an example of Ken’s fine work. Nice craftsmanship, good balance, and striking colors set his pieces apart from many potters. Ken mixes several different minerals together to create his own unique glazes. This spoon holder or vase, with its brightly colored mauves, blues and a touch of teal at the bottom, will look great holding your spoons and other utensils, or it will look stunning with a flower arrangement, whether dried or freshly cut! This particular piece of Ken’s pottery is considered a “second”, and the lower value reflects that fact. During the last firing, the glaze was a bit too thick and pooled at the bottom of the piece. Ken’s vases, bowls, mugs, plates, and other functional clay pieces feel good and are great to use. Berle and Donna personally own and use some of his pieces in their home. The value of this beautiful vase is $20.

About the Artist:

Ken Merrick, Truth or Consequences, NM

Although several years past typical retirement age, and even after 50+ years of throwing pots, ceramicist Ken Merrick continues to throw pots simply because he still loves doing so. That and the fact that many of his collectors have exclaimed that he can’t quit making pottery while they still are collecting – that would be a travesty! Berle was able to reacquaint herself with Ken during a recent trip to Truth or Consequences, where Ken has lived and had his pottery studio for many years. Berle couldn’t resist purchasing a few pieces of Ken’s fun pottery while visiting his studio. When Berle had met Ken previously, she was working at the Copper Butterfly, a gift shop in Cloudcroft where Ken sold some of his pottery. The shop’s owner, Gloria Wood, would purchase batches of Ken’s pottery when he participated in art shows in Cloudcroft, which went on for quite a few years.

Condition:
Good – this spoon holder/vase is a “second”. The glaze was a bit heavy, and pooled at the bottom of the piece. See closeup photos.
Size:
6.5" H X 5.25" Diameter