I recently acquired an amusing piece of ceramic art: an Alison Palmer stoneware ceramic deer antler container, from around 2006. I successfully negotiated with the shop owner and walked out with it right away. Growing up in Montana, I encountered many influential ceramic artists, including Peter Voulkos, known for abstract expressionistic ceramics; Rudy Autio, recognized for his Matisse-like pieces; and Akio Takamori, who celebrated figurative ceramic works. Palmer recently showcased her work at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center. This exhibition, titled " Dream Animals ," also featured the work of Sue Tirrell, a ceramic artist native to Red Lodge, MT. Initial research from a Connecticut newspaper revealed that Palmer and her husband began their careers with a company called “ Ashes to Ashes ,” which created handcrafted funerary urns for animals. This work involved supporting grieving clients. As I've learned, pets are cherished family members whose loss is deeply mourned—a pa...