Intrinsic Value, 2024

Throughout my ceramics career, I’ve been fascinated by the beauty of pyrometric cones. They are a tool to record kiln temperatures by slumping over when a specific temperature is reached. Even with new technology, pyrometric cones remain an important and reliable failsafe. They can reveal incorrect or uneven heating throughout the kiln that new technology may miss. Yet, they are often discarded or forgotten after use. This neglect of a useful resource mirrors a larger pattern of overlooked or wasted resources in other areas, particularly when it comes to environmental conservation.

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In Utah, a state suffering from ongoing drought only being exacerbated by climate change, 70-80% of water is used for agriculture growing of non-native, water-intensive plants for profit, but at what cost? Similarly, non-native plants are widely used in urban landscaping such as lush lawns and water-intensive flora, despite native plants like Indian Paintbrush and Sagebrush being more sustainable and just as visually pleasing.

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Just as pyrometric cones are often disregarded after fulfilling their immediate purpose, we too often overlook more sustainable practices, whether in ceramics or water conservation. My piece, Intrinsic Value, uses pyrometric cones to mimic native desert plant patterns. These cones are adorned with gold luster to highlight the importance and beauty of both these cones and Utah’s native flora.

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Why waste resources on non-native plants when we have sustainable native alternatives? Why not utilize our tools as artwork themselves? Why not take advantage of the beauty that lies in front of us? Sometimes all we need to do is take a step back and look at what we already have. The answer may be more obvious than first thought.