Goblet interpretations take shape at Belger Arts exhibit
Explore new representations of a goblet in each artist’s unique style this July.
Jackie Polofka, Golden Dragon, 2024. Glass,10 x 10 x 4 inches. Photo by Belger Arts.
The goblet has taken on many meanings throughout history with its place in rituals and as a symbol of power. While some of these representations still hold, the purpose and prominence of goblets has diminished. But with this fading comes an opportunity for reimagining.
Artists from around the nation will present their new interpretation of a goblet in their signature style July 12 – Oct 5 at Belger Arts. Over 50 pieces will be featured from glass blowers and ceramic artists with different skill sets and specialties.
Stacy Larson in her studio // Provided by Stacy Larson
One of these artists, Stacy Larson, fuses floral with ceramics to create delicate dishes and decorations. From watching her mother and grandmother cultivate flower gardens, Larson’s love of flowers grew as she studied their movement and form.
“I love macro photography, looking up close at things, and noticing the details,” Larson says. “I think that’s something today’s world tends to overlook. Through my work, I want to help people recognize the value of those up-close details.”
Some of these details include the daintiness of flowers, color placement, and what Larson describes as, “hidden gems.” Her background in jewelry making gave Larson the skillset to incorporate small gemstones on the underside of each of her projects.
“On all my pieces, I set a gemstone on the foot, and I like to see it as something that rewards the user or viewer,” Larson says. “The effect feels like when I find a dew drop hidden on the underside of a leaf or have a little moment of discovery.”
All these elements were brought together in Larson’s goblet design, and she is excited to see the variety of the 49 other creations. Besides ceramics, many of the other artists will use glass to form their cups giving a diversity of mediums and style to the final exhibit.
Visitors can participate in the exhibit by voting for their favorite interpretation whether it be the most novel idea or the most true to the vessel’s original purpose. Since goblets have lessened their societal symbolism, explore their new potentials at the Brimming: Belger Art exhibit coming this July.
