Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of potters, is said to have crushed a potsherd in his hand, causing it to erupt into fire, water, and dust.  He used this miracle to explain the doctrine of the Trinity as the potsherd contained three elements in one.  This multi-armed creature is not a direct representation of the saint— I doubt whether the real Saint Spyridon had six arms.  No, this being is some kind of elemental force: three shapes for three elements, water, earth, and fire, held by twisting limbs around a white potsherd, while two more hands hold up three fingers and one.  These numbers and symbols recall Spyridon's miracle, celebrating the saint's patronage while reminding us of the privilege of creation.  All art is a reworking of what has already been made, a reflection of something greater.  Through the molding and shaping of humble materials we can point to greater, more beautiful realities.  May we all as artists, regardless of faith, approach these elements and materials with humility and joy, and may we use them to reveal greater truths in the world.

ceramic stoneware, underglaze, low fire glaze, epoxy, pvc piping, gouache

approx 2' x 2' x 3.5'