Pa. German Plate 1937

Editor: Here we have Aaron Fastovsky's "Pa. German Plate" from 1937, rendered with drawing and watercolor on ceramic. I'm struck by its somewhat muted color palette, the browns and blues giving it an earthy, antique feel. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Immediately, I recognize the enduring motifs characteristic of Pennsylvania German folk art. Consider the central rosette transformed into a diamond lattice, filled with what could be tulip motifs. Notice the repetition of forms – a visual echo – signifying continuity and remembrance within their culture. The plate, traditionally a symbol of hospitality and nourishment, becomes a vessel for carrying cultural memory. Editor: That’s fascinating! I was mainly focused on the colors and pattern. Do you see any significance in those zig-zag lines around the border? Curator: Precisely! Zig-zags often represent water or life's journey in various cultures. Given the Pennsylvania German’s agricultural background, might this relate to the vital role of water in sustenance? Such symbols speak volumes about the values and beliefs embedded in everyday life. How does the idea of “sustenance” connect with contemporary concerns around local production? Editor: So it’s not just decorative; it’s like a coded message about their values and beliefs, right? Curator: Precisely. Think of it as a visual language passed down through generations. These patterns helped maintain a sense of identity and belonging. This artwork reminds us that visual culture has lasting impacts in a community, in ways that we can now interpret as continuity or survival. Editor: I see it now; I’ll never look at folk art the same way! There's so much more to uncover beyond just the surface design.