The Shallows

Lorraine Formato 
The Shallows
Blue Glaze Plate/Bowl
This shallow plate-form bowl by Asheville-based ceramicist Lorraine Formato is crafted from a stoneware body and finished in a teal glaze. The glaze application produces fluid tonal transitions, where deep aquatic hues meet lighter, celadon-like highlights, accentuating the gentle rise of the rim and the broad, open interior.
Designed for versatility, the form is proportioned to serve as both a functional vessel and a decorative accent. Its shallow depth makes it ideal for holding fruit, jewelry, keys, or other frequently used personal items, while its surface finish and refined form invite display as a standalone work.
 
Formato’s decades-long practice—rooted in Appalachian ceramic traditions, informed by her Black Mountain College heritage, and marked by mastery of glaze chemistry—ensures each piece bears a distinctive, painterly surface. The work reflects her ongoing exploration of utility and beauty, where historical reference and material experimentation meet in everyday use.