Pennsylvania German Plate 1938

This Pennsylvania German Plate was made by Eugene Shellady; I love the way he embraces a handmade aesthetic. The warm red and earth tones give it a rustic charm. It reminds me of the color of bricks. The paint looks thin and matte, almost like watercolor. Shellady builds up layers to create depth. I'm drawn to the stylized tulips and the playful insects – they add a touch of whimsy. The symmetry of the design is grounding, but the slight imperfections keep it from feeling too rigid. Looking at the details, you see how each stroke reveals the artist's hand, it's all about the process. It makes me think of other artists who work with folk traditions. The directness, the honesty, the joy of making something beautiful and useful. Art is always a conversation.