Misfits are built on identical grids of circles shot through with cracks. The cracks, which mirror geological fracturing, also mimic gestural line drawing. And while we know the difference, the association between the two lingers, sowing confusion about the true nature of the plastic activity. Melchert complicates this visual drama further by superimposing on the circles and crevasses biomorphic shapes drawn in ink and glaze; all are done in a palette of earth tones. The ink, which puddles and stains the underlying substrate, animates the forms, giving the tiles, which range in size from 18” x 18” to 24” x 24”, an impish, cartoon-like character.