Inside Out: Alison Santa Maria, Nicho Bubbles

• dimensions: 4"L x 1.5"W x 5.5"H
  
• description: Part of the Inside Out collection for Pottery Palooza, running November 7–30.

"Nichos" My adoration of Mexican folk art is often a clear inspiration in my work. After two of my best friends lost their moms to cancer in 2023, I began making altars as a place to put their grief. I found the concept of choosing items of remembrance and having them reflected back as a daily and visual reminder soothing and a small way I could offer comfort to my pained friends. That has led to a creative exploration over the past couple years and these are my latest and favorite renditions. They blend my style with traditional Mexican folk art elements of nichos and milagros as a mobile and visual place of remembrance.