This is a series I began after sitting in ceremony with a Hawaiian medicine woman who let me know that in Hawaii, abalone shells are not used to burn sage or other cleansing herbs as it isn’t respectful of the animal.
These ceramic abalone shells are Raku fired, which gives them rich metallic interiors, and dark matte exteriors. I then apply color into the patterns on the back of the shells that I originally carved when the clay was wet. These are sculptures, and functional objects. Candle light reflects beautifully, jewelry is lovingly held, & cleansing herbs can be safely burned. Over time the patina will change when exposed to sunlight, air, smoke.
Abalone