Medusa Vase

TW: sexual assault.

Hand built with a white stoneware clay, under glazed with black, and carved imagery of medusa's face and snake hair. 5 inches tall x 7.5 wide.

According to Greek mythology, Medusa was a pious and beautiful priestess of Athena. Medusa's beautiful golden hair caught the attention of Poseidon, who raped Medusa at Athena's temple. Athena was furious and responded by turning Medusa into a monster that could turn those who looked at her into stone-- either the ultimate in victim-blaming, or trying to help Medusa protect herself, but with big backfire implications. Medusa became hunted as a monster, lonely as a woman, and powerful through all that injustice. She remains a symbol of agency in victimhood and not being silenced in the face of injustice. She is a survivor who is blamed and cursed, and yet she becomes powerful enough to fear. 

These vases were all a huge experiment and foray into a new type of pottery. They’re all a little imperfect (cosmetic cracks). But given their symbolism and the time that went into them, I’m going to sell them for $75 for each smaller sized vase and donate all $75 to charities that embody their figure’s characteristics. The sales for Medusa will go to RAINN to help give comfort and power to victims of sexual assault.

Each item is microwave, dishwasher, and of course food safe! I do my best to use recycled materials in shipping to cut down on waste for the benefit of the planet!