NCECA 2020 The Language of Flowers

This project will utilize the Japanese concept of Hanakotoba or language of Flowers coupled with a set of curated ceramic vases from a group of local, national and international potters to convey the concepts of Remembrance, Perishing with grace, Longing, Waiting, Transience of Life, Truth, Respect, Courage, Purity, Revenge, Abandonment, Bravery, and Innocence. It is a response to shootings such as the tragedy at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School and many others, moreover it is meant to continue the conversation on gun violence and how we can prevent it in our community. These vases and flower arrangements would be donated by the artists and would be sold to raise funds that would be then given to an organization working to reform gun laws or provide relief for victims of gun violence. This project is intended as a model to then be replicated by other ceramics organizations along the lines of the well-known “Empty Bowls” initiative that helps feed the hungry. The hope would be that, like that project, the Language of Flowers will become a self-perpetuating vehicle to advocate for the mitigation of gun violence. This project reflects the community ideals that the studio ceramics movement have been associated with since the post WWII era. These objects which are intended for display in the home are iconic in their ability to focus our attention daily and give thought to the purpose of this project. The process of creating the exhibition itself is an exercise in community discourse on the topic of gun violence and how each participant perceives the issue. Through discussion and consensus participants will decide what organization will receive the funds raised.