Within the history of ceramics, few forms so elegantly reconcile utility and sculpture as the pitcher. It is an object defined by action: designed to pour, to balance, to be grasped by the hand, and yet constantly inviting aesthetic reinvention. 500 Pitchers: Contemporary Expressions of a Classic Form, edited by Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot, demonstrates … Continue reading T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Pitchers: Contemporary Expressions of a Classic Form editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
“A Crown Won in Blood” – Poetcore Shakespeare: The Bard for Gen Z
(T.A.E.’s LitBites) – A modern retelling of Macbeth by William Shakespeare Macbeth starts as a straight-up legend. He’s brave, loyal, and feared on the battlefield. Everyone knows his name, and for good reason—he just helped crush a rebellion and save Scotland. The king, Duncan, is thrilled. He praises Macbeth publicly and rewards him with a new … Continue reading “A Crown Won in Blood” – Poetcore Shakespeare: The Bard for Gen Z
T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Cups: Ceramic Explorations of Utility and Grace editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
Few objects are as intimately woven into the rituals of everyday life as the ceramic cup. It is held, warmed by the hands, raised to the lips, and quietly accompanies moments of solitude and conversation alike. 500 Cups: Ceramic Explorations of Utility and Grace transforms this seemingly humble vessel into a profound artistic inquiry, revealing … Continue reading T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Cups: Ceramic Explorations of Utility and Grace editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
“A Kingdom Gone Sideways” – Poetcore Shakespeare: The Bard for Gen Z
(T.A.E.’s LitBites) – A modern retelling of King Lear by William Shakespeare King Lear is old. Like really old. Old enough that running a whole kingdom feels exhausting, and he’s ready to retire, kick back, and let his three daughters take over. But Lear doesn’t just hand over power like a normal person. No. He turns … Continue reading “A Kingdom Gone Sideways” – Poetcore Shakespeare: The Bard for Gen Z
T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
An Ecological Bestiary in Ceramic Form The animal has always occupied a privileged place in the history of ceramic art. From Neolithic fertility figures to Chinese funerary horses, from medieval grotesques to Japanese netsuke, animals have served as symbols, companions, metaphors, and mirrors of humanity. 500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form, … Continue reading T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
Among the many volumes in Lark Books' celebrated 500 series, 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style stands as one of the most compelling demonstrations of how a familiar domestic object can become an arena for artistic invention. Juried by ceramic artist Linda Arbuckle and edited by Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot, this … Continue reading T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Handmade books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
In an age when books are increasingly dematerialized into digital files, 500 Handmade Books offers a compelling reminder that the book itself remains one of humanity's most expressive artistic mediums. Edited by Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot, this remarkable volume is less a survey of bookbinding than a celebration of the book as sculpture, performance, architecture, … Continue reading T.A.E.’s Book Review – 500 Handmade books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form editor Suzanne J. E. Tourtillot
Glow-Up Season: Don’t Let Your Beauty Ghost You (Revisionist Shakespeare – Sonnet 6 for Gen Z)
Then let not winter’s brutal hands eraseThe summer glow you’re clearly meant to keep;Make your hotness pay rent in someone else’s face,Before time starts acting petty and deep. For why leave that fire just sitting there,When your own shine could level up the game?Make more of that slay, make it everywhere,So you do not get … Continue reading Glow-Up Season: Don’t Let Your Beauty Ghost You (Revisionist Shakespeare – Sonnet 6 for Gen Z)
Don’t Let Time Eat Your Prime (Revisionist Shakespeare – Sonnet 6 for Gen X)
Then, why not let your better self stay bright,Before rude winter snatches all that shine?Make some sweet legacy before the nightTurns your hot summer into useless wine. The beauty in you shouldn’t f***ing fade,Nor leave your face all hollow and used up;For that’s the kind of loss no one can aidWhen time tips over your … Continue reading Don’t Let Time Eat Your Prime (Revisionist Shakespeare – Sonnet 6 for Gen X)
Before Winter Hits: Shakespeare’s Sonnet 6 and the Art of Leaving a Legacy
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 6 is one of his most urgent arguments about time, beauty, and legacy. On the surface, it sounds like a persuasive plea: do not let beauty decay unused, because time is always trying to steal what is alive and radiant. But beneath that, the poem is also about value. Beauty is not meant … Continue reading Before Winter Hits: Shakespeare’s Sonnet 6 and the Art of Leaving a Legacy