I was on a day trip exploring various parts of western New Jersey when I rolled into Frenchtown, NJ. I parked the car and started to wander, when a store sign caught my attention: “Casa Bizarro.” Who can ignore a name like that? I went in to see what inhabited this location that inspired a name like that.
There was a wide range of unique art pieces, paintings, African masks, and more, but when I saw the striking ceramic piece pictured above, I had to make an impulse purchase. I’ve had a recent interest in collecting ceramics and pottery, and this piece seemed so unique – so “bizarro,” I had to have it. I inquired with the store owner, and the artist is unknown, and there are no markings or signatures on the bottom, so the story behind this origin of this piece remains a mystery.
At first glance, I was just drawn by the undulating yellow form with the blue edges in random patterns. But a closer look suggests that this is a female figure with a basket on her head, with one arm holding it in place, which is theme certainly evident in African sculpture and a general cultural image. However, this ceramic figure has no head! There is an opening just under the blue “basket,” which could allow it to be a flower vase. Or – is the blue basket meant to be a candle holder? Below are three more views of this object from different angles, to get a better sense of the piece.
At any rate, it’s a bold and attention-grabbing ceramic piece, definitely a conversation starter, and I’m so glad I made the purchase.