Meditation Vessel Sienna and Amber 3

About Meditation Vessel Sienna and Amber 3

For American sculptor Heather Hietala, the compelling image of the vessel has become her muse. Her series of canoe-shaped clay vessels in natural tones of sienna, gray and brown are designed to be held. The shape and size were inspired by a memorable and magical experience the artist had when, in order to rescue an injured bird, she had to cradle it in her hands for a long time. These beautiful little vessels are hand-built of clay and wood-fired; the interior of each contains upcycled glass—this one in amber from food containers or wine bottles. For Hietala the sparkling glass symbolizes the soul.



“For me (vessels) they evoke a universal sense of journey, symbolize the self and can be a metaphor of interior and exterior, of protection and containment, of transport and journey.” Heather Hietala



Her work has been shown in Canada, the US, France and Singapore, and is held in collections worldwide. She has also taught and lectured in the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Nepal.