This is another in my "Byzantine Series" of ceramics inspired by Byzantine glazed pottery of the 10th through 14th Centuries (primarily). It is large, measuring about 11.25 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep, and formed of slightly marbled stoneware. The surface decoration, in colored underglazes beneath clear glaze, is loosely based on a fragmentary piece of the 13th or 14th Century (also pictured here) made in the Marmara region, very close to the Byzantine capitol at Constantinople (today's Istanbul in Turkey). Instead of using the scraffito and splash techniques typical of Byzantine pottery, I've applied the decoration without scratching through the surface and kept colors confined to specific decorative areas. Because the rim decoration on the original is purely speculative, I've opted for a conservative approach and left most of the clay plain and undecorated closer to the rim of this plate.It'll be in my Etsy shop soon. #northcarolinapottery #northcarolinaceramics #northcarolinaartist #byzantineart #Byzantium #historicalpottery #christofmaupin #pastpresentartscrafts #wilmingtonnc #ILMarts #capefear (at Downtown Wilmington By Cape Fear River)

Some more info, about the conference: If you have yet to hear of the IlmArts festival, I would like to share something personal with you all. They are coming down to Melbourne for the first time, and I've been asked to participate. Not only exhibit my art, but offer a presentation alongside some other great artists. Public speaking has been one of my enemies for a while, but since making the intention last year to improve and become a better speaker I've been granted so many great opportunities. All praise be to Allah, this is one of them.