Naomi Peterson is a talented artist who creates delightful confectionery-inspired ceramic pieces that are both visually sweet and functional. Her work includes frosted sponge and overstuffed pies, as well as playful “cup-cakes” adorned with layers reminiscent of fondant, ice cream scoops, berries, and sprinkles.
While her creations may look good enough to eat, Peterson actually prefers savory and salty foods to sweet treats. She is drawn to visual sweetness and the potential enjoyment of confectioneries, rather than the act of consuming them. Many of her pieces feature lids or handles, making them usable as vessels or coffee mugs.
Peterson’s artistic process involves a combination of wheel-thrown techniques and hand-building methods like coils, slabs, and pinching. She takes an intuitive approach, focusing on the form first and then adding or removing elements through techniques like darting and using sprig or press molds. Peterson’s surfaces require multiple applications and firings to achieve the vibrant, layered effects she is known for.
The artist’s creations reflect her interest in relationships and the interconnectedness of individuals within communities. Each piece, whether it be a cake, bon bon, or mug, is a celebration of joy and togetherness. The spaces in between the dot patterns in her work symbolize the connections that bring us together, highlighting the importance of each individual as part of a whole.
Peterson’s work will be featured in the upcoming “Dirt Folk: Planted” exhibition during the 2025 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference in Salt Lake City. East Coast art enthusiasts can also view her pieces in the “Lines and Patterns” exhibition at Baltimore Clayworks from March 22 to May 24. To see more of Naomi Peterson’s whimsical ceramic creations, visit her website and Instagram page.
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