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.
A low, round Hearth, its body glazed to look like it was carved from a stone-like material with a polished sheen. The band is punctuated by a repeating pattern of triangular cutouts that give the piece an open, airy feel.
The material of the holder has a marbled, organic appearance — swirls and veins of gray, cream, brown and hints of rust mingle across the surface, catching the light differently on the raised edges and recessed patterns. Some areas look smoky and translucent, others opaque, suggesting a semi-precious stone like onyx or a carefully finished composite designed to mimic it. The polished finish gives the piece a subtle reflection and a tactile impression of coolness and solidity.
Bands of gold sweep through segments of the hearth in strings, a mimic of the Japanese art of kinsugi, the act of healing a broken vessel with gold.
Gentle shadows can be seen through the triangular openings. These shadows emphasize the geometry of the cutouts and add a quiet rhythm to the composition.
Overall, the hearth reads as both decorative and functional: sculptural enough to be a tabletop focal point, yet modest in scale and purpose, meant to hold and frame the small, solitary flame of a tealight.
The piece is made with medium fired stoneware clay. The piece was created in 2025.
The overall dimensions of the pottery are 9 cm tall with a 20cm diameter.