Michael Vorisek- Smooth Coneflower Vase

Smooth Coneflower

- Echinacea laevigata

Smooth Coneflower is identified by its tall, mostly leafless stems and narrow, drooping pink or purple petals. It is federally endangered and threatened mostly by invasive plants, herbicides, and human activity. This rare coneflower species is native to the Piedmont region of the Eastern US.

Hand-carved brown stoneware, matte glaze

7" tall x 5" wide

Plants and wildlife of course have a symbiotic relationship.  So to protect plants and ecosystems is to also safeguard the wild creatures that depend on them.  Plants are an indicator species of the health of the landscape and soil.

Each piece in my native plant series features carefully hand-carved and sculpted representations of just a few of the very many threatened and endangered native plants in the U.S.  I've aimed for accurate botany and plant forms, and like to think of these pieces as botanical drawings in clay.  The lack of color reflecting their tenuous hold on existence.

I hope my pieces will create opportunities for conversation, education, and ultimate awareness of these at-risk plants. 50% of the proceeds from these pieces will be donated to the Native Habitat Project.  To learn more about their work please visit nativehabitatproject.com

To see more of Michael's work be sure to follow on Instagram @back30pottery