Courtney M. Leonard’s sculpture is inspired by Indigenous fish baskets and fishing nets. However, her choice of delicate earthenware has rendered the form impractical and vulnerable to breakage. She relates the loss of functionality to diminished traditional food sources, advocating for the consideration of Indigenous knowledge in managing the fragile Atlantic coastal ecosystem. By contrast, the English fruit bowl would have formed the centerpiece of a fashionable dessert service. Here, the maker ingeniously imitated basketry techniques, idealizing the traditional crafts of the agricultural communities who grew the produce.

View bonus videos about Leonard’s artistic practice as well as videos about four other artists in the show.