The Beza Project
Firing Work of Hidden Creative Talents on Unique Ceramic Pieces
Round Hill Pottery Collective (RHPC) proudly presents The Beza Project, an initiative spotlighting hidden creative talents around the world whose exceptional work would otherwise remain unseen.
Working with and through international agencies, churches and other local organizations with organic roots in challenged communities, the Beza Project identifies artists who are interested and whose work is judged to be sufficiently creative to merit featuring on these pages. We make no guarantees as to what will sell, but the Collective pursues this Project with the objective only to break even financially.
Early examples of work are shown here and below; more are in progress…
From Nigeria, a set of four square plates depicting a common site in Jos, Nigeria: a man and a woman using bicycles to transport fireword and supplies to their hojme.
How We Work
Through strategic partnerships, and starting in Jos, Nigeria, The Beza Project identifies, selects, and brings these hidden artists into the spotlight by attaching their art to original ceramic work made by members of the Round Hill Pottery Collective (RHPC), thereby providing both the RHPC member and the hidden artists with the exposure and support needed to sell their art.
We do not attempt to influence the subject of the art being sourced (other than to shun graphic pornography and/or violence) as we regard the subject and/or style of the art part of the discovery being offered to the Beza Project customers.
The Beza Project ensures transparency, integrity, and fairness by empowering its auditors unfettered access to all records – financial and otherwise.
Sweden Sky, a photo from a refugee camp worker in Sweden
Marriage of 2D and 3D Art: the Rationale
The word “art” is most associated with paintings that hang on one’s walls. But this space is limited, and, one usually interacts with it rather passively.
Ceramic objects are less often described as art, but once thoughtful people learn of the many facets of the conception and production of ceramic objects, they often agree that the word applies.
Combining 2D and 3D art into dinnerware captures both the obvious creativity of 2D art and the technical, perhaps less-flashy creativity embodied in the 3D art of ceramic objects. This allows Beza Project customers to actively interact with the work, perhaps as conversation starters over a shared meal with friends and family.
What’s in a Name?
Beza, a short form of Bezalel, was a biblical person who was gifted with special skills to work “all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31: 5) and who was selected to decorate and accessorize the great Solomon’s Temple. The Beza Project uncovers unseen ‘Bezalels’ from all over the world and financially rewards their artistic skill.
