Plate - "Landing of the Pilgrims" c. 1936

This monochromatic plate depicting “The Landing of the Pilgrims” was made by Helmut Hiatt, who lived from 1855 to 1995. I can imagine Helmut, deep in thought, carefully applying the glaze to capture the intensity of that historical moment. The Pilgrims emerge tentatively from their boat towards a new world full of uncertainty. The plate feels handmade, doesn't it? I wonder about his technique. I see those intricate details around the edge, almost like delicate lace. Each brushstroke, each tiny mark, contributing to the overall narrative. He creates a sense of depth through shading, giving it a somber quality. I love how art can be a form of storytelling. Helmut invites us to reflect on history, and the stories we tell ourselves about it. In the end, aren't we all just trying to leave our mark, just like Helmut did on this humble plate? It's about being part of something bigger, continuing the conversation, one image at a time.