Pollinators Descriptors: Artists K-T

Pollinators Exhibit

JERENE KRUSE
Albion, Nebraska

Round and Round We Go

Clay

When thinking about the theme of “Pollinators,” I aimed to create a unique style of hand-built pottery. I started the process by rolling a lump of clay into a slab and then pressing it into the shape of a large open bowl. After adding a foot to the bowl and smoothing the edges, I began carving, which I found both satisfying and thought-provoking. Next, I used underglaze to paint vibrant colors that depicted butterflies among green summer leaves. My goal was to capture the warmth of a sunny day and the joy of butterflies flitting about in a garden. The butterflies surround the leaves, symbolizing their role in pollinating the vegetation, while bringing a sense of happiness to the viewer. The title also brings to mind the idea of our world going ‘round and round’ through the years and life being sustained with the help of pollinators.