Among the Naiads 

Two sets of Four 4” Diameter Coasters

Clay & Glaze 

In Collaboration with Chris Hamerla, Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator with Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. 

I was inspired by Chris’s work with aquatic plants and animals, as well as his efforts to educate the public about freshwater ecosystems. I wanted to create a piece that connects scientific knowledge with the everyday experiences people have in nature. To do this, I designed an interactive set of coasters featuring frogs, toads, and aquatic plants. The frogs and toads are labeled with their common names, while the plants are labeled with their scientific names. This pairing encourages viewers to engage with both familiar and scientific ways of understanding the species around them. My younger cousin, who loves catching frogs and toads at our cottage whenever he gets the chance, also inspired this piece. I wanted to create something that would appeal to someone his age and spark curiosity, encouraging people to ask questions and learn more about the freshwater life around them.