This is an original pottery piece created by Roger Neufeld.
Roger has called this piece Tiny Hearth, basing it on the fact that this piece can neatly hold a candle, as well as that the dark glaze with white streaks are akin to finding a small home around a tiny fireplace or stove. A light during dark nights.
The piece is a distinctive, black ceramic piece that has a smooth, glossy finish on its upper part, reflecting light subtly. Its shape is somewhat unconventional—a rounded form with a wide, flat top surface that has a central circular hole or depression. The sides of the piece have more colour and uneven surface, hinting at a handcrafted quality.
The contrast between the glossy flat top and the more organic sides creates a visual tension, emphasizing the piece’s duality—both refined and raw. The white markings or streaks on the top add an element of imperfection or natural wear, offering character and a sense of history or use. The blue segments on the side are almost reminiscent of an aurora borealis.
This object could function as a modern, abstract candle holder or a decorative vessel. Symbolically, the central void might represent concepts of emptiness, focus, or containment, common in minimalist or contemporary ceramic art. It could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of things, with the circular shape and hollow center suggesting continuity and regeneration.
Overall, the piece embodies simplicity and tactile contrast, inviting the viewer to appreciate texture, form, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow.
Roger made the blue drips on the side of the Tiny Hearth with glaze coated string, the string is attached to the piece and during the firing process, the string burns away to ash, letting the glaze drip down the sides of the piece.
The piece is made with medium fired stoneware clay. The piece was created in 2025.
The overall dimensions of the pottery are 3.2" tall with a 7 1/2" diameter.