Paula Weiss and Tamara Stanger, Arizona Plate

Ceramicist Paula Weiss describes her functional ash-glazed stoneware and earthenware as straightforward, rustic, simple, hearty and meant for everyday use. She studied for many years with Jane Herold, a New York (now Connecticut)–based wood-firing potter.

“I’m a geologist as well as a potter,” says Paula, “which is why some of my pots may have a fossil or geological structure or two. Living in northwest Phoenix, surrounded by the most beautiful desert in the world, my work abounds in Sonoran Desert references: geological, botanical, zoological, archeological or simple and unadorned. I hope people will enjoy using my creations as much as I love making them.”

Paula says the ceramicist/chef match with Tamara is like two foraged peas in a “pot”!

Paula Weiss Pottery
instagram.com/paulaweisspottery
602-550-1482

Executive Chef Tamara Stanger also turns to the Sonoran Desert for her inspiration. Her love of the desert shapes the way she crafts her food, drawing on indigenous ingredients and ethically foraged local vegetation.

Foraging is becoming increasingly popular, and Stanger urges people to forage sustainably: “I hope those who forage follow the rules: Take what you need, don’t damage the plant and leave the rest for the animals.”

On the collaboration, she says, “Paula’s beautiful plate reminds me of something you’d find in a cave with other artifacts—earthy, handmade and richly beautiful—and I really connect with it.”

Stanger’s spring dish features broiled quail breast, roasted radishes, turnips, daikon and Mexican passionfruit on a spread of mascarpone mixed with dates, along with cholla buds and palo verde which she had just foraged.

Cotton & Copper
cottonandcopperaz.com
1006 E. Warner Rd. #113
Tempe
480-629-4270