Brickolage

This brick is slightly tapered, a keystone shape. It is much heavier and thicker than a modern brick, and was manufactured in Milledgeville, Georgia in the late 19th or early 20th century. Just before it was sent to be fired in the kiln, a worker used his finger to poke two holes for eyes, a slight scoop for a nose, and then drew an arc into the wet clay for a smile. Four quick little gestures that made something lasting and engaging.

There were a number of creative laborers working at this factory, and coin banks, birdhouses, planters and other sculptural forms have been found. I'll try to share a few more over time.