Bats!
Today is National Bat Awareness Day. Over the last decade Ephraim has explored the bat theme often and, interestingly, it has become on of our most loved (and hated) motifs. Artist of the early 20th c. American Arts and Crafts Movement – influenced by Japanese art, where the bat represents “luck” and “happiness” – occasionally incorporated bats into their designs. However, bats in western culture – influenced by European Gothic notions – carry strong associations with “evil” and “darkness.” This contrasting symbolism has turned the innocent bat into a controversial theme.
We have a wonderful inventory of interesting bat vases and tiles in our galleries. If you see something above that you fancy,contact our Studio Gallery at 920-648-3534 or by email – Contact the Studio Gallery. We will ship these pieces for free from the galleries through Sunday.
First Bat Vase
Our first bat vase, named simply “Bat Vase”, stemmed from Kevin’s inspiration while on a tour of the Gamble House in Pasadena. The house, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, was designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company.
Nowadays one commonly sees bats in Arts and Crafts Revival art, but back in 2000 when Kevin visited the Gamble House it was an unusual theme. This piece was retired 12/17/03.
