Poppy Hand Gun Cup

Poppy Hand Gun CupPoppy Hand Gun Cup Image: Justin Rothshank Cup Design: Adam Gruetzmacher Porcelain 4 1 8" x 4 7 8" x 3 1 4" with decal, 12 fl oz For the longevity of your decal, please avoid the dishwasher. Please note that cups are made to order. Your cup will ship within 3 4 weeks. Pictured is the front and back of one cup. Justin Rothshank I've been using a poppy design for nearly ten years in my own work. The design began as a personal response to my disagreement

Poppy Hand Gun Cup
Image: Justin Rothshank
Cup Design: Adam Gruetzmacher 
Porcelain 4 1/8" x 4 7/8" x 3 1/4" with decal, 12 fl oz
For the longevity of your decal, please avoid the dishwasher.
Please note that cups are made to order. Your cup will ship within 3-4 weeks. 
Pictured is the front and back of one cup.

Justin Rothshank
I've been using a poppy design for nearly ten years in my own work. The design began as a personal response to my disagreement with war, violence, or guns as a problem solving solution. I began using a design with a soldier in a poppy field in direct response to the war in Afghanistan back in 2007. This design has evolved into my "signature" dinnerware style since then.

Historically, the poppy flower has been used in association with Remembrance Day/Veterans Day as a symbol of those who have made sacrifices during wars. The poppy has also broadly been associated with themes of resurrection and futility of war.

My hope for this design comes out of my own personal beliefs that building relationships, friendships, and community engagement leads to problem solving in a better way than guns or violence.

Adam Gruetzmacher
This election cycle has shown us, perhaps more than anything else, that substance follows rhetoric. It can be difficult to trust the democratic representation of the people when those we elect spend so much time raising money from special interests, or can be swayed by lobbyists.  Divisiveness has come to define the U.S. political system.

Conversely, the thoughtful design of an object meant for everyday use is inherently democratic.  It seeks to appeal to the broadest demographic possible with the goal of improving the lives of those who use it and look at it.  Even something as ordinary as a daily cup of coffee can be made better through a well-considered coffee mug.  It is under this sentiment that I designed my contribution to The Democratic Cup project.  I hope that my mug design may be used regularly, standing out only in its ability to effortlessly fit into the lives of those who use it.