Michael Vorisek- White Ash Vase

White Ash - Fraxinus americana 

Historically common to the Eastern US and one of the most valued hardwood trees, it is now critically endangered due to the invasive Emerald Ash-borer insect.

The insect is responsible for the loss of an estimated 50 million Ash trees to date and threatens to cause their extinction.

Hand-carved and relief-sculpted white stoneware; matte glaze.  Inscribed with common and latin plant name.  

7½" tall x 6" 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