It was Mothers Day weekend, 2010. I was on the St. Croix Valley potters’ tour with a couple of friends. I had long admired Matt Kelleher’s work. I was looking for dinner plates. When I saw this one, I didn’t stand much of a chance. The slip (hidden by food, naturally) has some beautiful variations. I enjoy the inscribed arcs, the dots of glaze. They’re sweet little details about which I had a spirited discussion with one of my friends. For me they show the hand of the maker; for him they detract from a soda-fired purist approach. I suppose we’re both right.

It held today’s lunch beautifully. I’d made chicken salad from last night’s baked chicken, toasted some ciabatta, and added sliced tomato. Chopped the rest of the tomato over some lettuce, broccoli, and parsley.