Jessica Kaplan at the potter’s wheel
For thousands of years, artists have used ceramics to document history. At the Arlington Historical Society bookstore, you can see a modern example of this tradition in the artwork created by AHS board member Jessica Kaplan. Jessica has found a way to integrate ceramic objects with historic images. Jessica says she got started over ten years ago in making functional pottery, including plates, platters, and mugs. Only within the past year has she started experimenting with infusing digital images as surface decoration. She says that while exploring different ways of using color and texture, she discovered a method to apply image decals of old photographs to ceramic pieces. Jessica said that being involved in local history and having access to archival images made it a natural fit.
Ceramic map of Arlington
One favorite piece is a platter in the shape of Arlington. Other popular examples include coasters with Civil War images of soldiers. Jessica says she likes the ability to take images that she loves and put them into something other than a picture frame. She finds it fascinating that you can combine history with art.
Functional pottery with historic images
If you want to see examples of Jessica Kaplan’s work, come visit the Arlington Historical Museum this weekend.
