Trash or treasure?

[mayberrymom24boys]

Looking for input on this vase. It’s 14” tall, and appears to have the name Gwen either stamped or signed on both sides. I’ve searched many combinations of Gwen, pottery, vase, butterfly, moth, stamped, signed, Native American, etc...and can’t find another image of this artist’s signature. Also, is this a butterfly, or a moth? I’m tempted to use Native American as a keyword, but I’m not sure if that would be accurate. Any help on titles would be great. (same design is on both sides, by the way.) Not sure if this piece is special, or just run-of-the-mill

[janetpjohn_la]

Maybe Gwen Bainbridge, nothing to do with Native Americans.
Janet

[Anonymous]

It was made using a method known as slab construction. That term might help you find the maker. Since you ask if it's trash or treasure? It's not trash, but I don't see much of a demand for this style on eBay. I'm guessing it's kind of heavy and the shipping costs would be high. The butterfly/moth motif does have a basket weaving or textile look to it, so I can see where you're getting a South West vibe.

[mayberrymom24boys]

Thank you! I'll add "slab" to the title and see if slab construction will help me narrow down the maker. Very helpful!

[mayberrymom24boys]

Thank you! I'll look into the Gwen Bainbridge lead.

[pixzee]

Slab construction is made by rolling the clay out like cookie dough, cutting out shapes and fitting them together to form a pot. In this case the potter rolled on top of a crochet doily with a butterfly design. It appears a blue glaze was applied then rubbed off on the raised areas (antiqued) to produce the contrast in color.

The type of pot I would expect to see at an art fair in the 1980s or 1990s. If you are looking for a key word I think that "Boho" is a must to find the best buyer. I'd mention the pressed doily technique.

[mayberrymom24boys]

Very helpful, thanks so much for this information!