Maria Spiess Ceramics

The Parting Gifts Project

The Parting Gifts Project began in Summer 2017. That Summer I made 30 palm-sized ceramic plants which were gifted to friends and colleagues.

Preparing a parting gift involves an act of giving which helps us say goodbye. This is usually a gesture made with hope to part well and be remembered. Parting gifts also tend to aid in easing the sadness of the moment.

The third iteration of The Parting Gifts Project was offered in February 2020 at the Ebb & Flow show at Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, NE.

The small porcelain flowers resemble snowdrops, representing the passing of winter as a first sign of spring.

This year there was an added element, using social media hashtags. By using the suggested hashtags, the gift offers an opportunity to connect through this exchange - recipients are encouraged to take their parting gift and post an image of it in its new home. Images of parting gifts were asked to include tags: #partinggifts2020 #mariaspiess #luxcenter @mariaspiess @luxcenter

The second iteration of Parting Gifts were offered in May 2018 as part of the Ripple Effects show at Taos Clay in Taos, NM.

The small porcelain pieces are meant to resemble leaves and flowers, representing nature and life. By offering them as porcelain objects I am making permanent that which is transient. Long after all memories are gone, the parting gifts will remain, mysterious, but forever.