Mercy Neumark’s work blends the bold linework and vivid color of historical art—from medieval marginalia and vintage Max Fleischer cartoons to Mid-Century design—with the dynamic energy of new school animation and Japanese manga. Her ceramics balance whimsy and critique, pairing playful imagery with reflections on sociopolitical themes to create pieces that are both functional and expressive. Since 1998, she has explored and reimagined historical ceramics while crafting her own brand of whimsical, narrative pottery.
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Mercy Neumark
Mercy Neumark’s work follows the simple linework and boldly colorful aesthetic found in historical sources, from medieval marginalia to vintage Max Fleischer cartoons to American Traditional tattoos, combined with more modern styles like new school animation and Japanese manga. She crafts pieces that are both functional and decorative, flavored often with sardonic humor and an awareness of sociopolitical inequities, balancing light imagery with heavy subjects into a unified expression.
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For the first 15 years of her career, Mercy immersed herself in pre-17th century ceramic recreations, studying and replicating cultural traditions, techniques, and forms of historical dinnerware and cookware. Much of this work centered on anthropomorphic vessels and functional wares, which she sold through historical reenactment communities across the U.S.
In more recent years, her focus has shifted toward contemporary forms, experimenting with sgraffito, decals, china paints, and underglaze painting. In 2022, she joined Lisa Orr as part of her Clay Cohort, further expanding her practice. Today, Mercy’s work blends whimsical design with sharp political satire, drawing inspiration from both current events and her cultural heritage.
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Phoenixware Ceramics 