Bowl c. 2001

Michael Simon crafted this bowl, its swirling design drawing us into the depths of memory. At its heart, this vortex evokes the ancient symbol of the labyrinth, a place of hidden meanings and psychological trials. The labyrinth is a motif found as early as the Minoan civilization in Crete, where it represented the complex, inescapable nature of existence. But note how Simon simplifies it; its stark, monochrome palette strips away the mythic grandeur, focusing instead on the pure form. Like Ariadne's thread, the faint white lines guide us through the shadowy coils, a visual metaphor for the journey of self-discovery. This symbol resonates deeply within our collective subconscious, a reminder of the trials and tribulations of life's path. Its cyclical nature mirrors our own psychological patterns, forever spiraling, evolving, and returning. The bowl is not simply a container but a vessel of emotional experience, a potent symbol of the human condition.