William Morris is widely recognized for his sculptures that explore themes related to archaeology, anthropology, and the natural world. These subjects are united by his interest in myth and ancient history, and his understanding of nature. Morris is an experienced hunter and outdoorsman, and these activities are reflected in his art work. Petroglyphic Urn features a painting in glass powders that was inspired by Paleolithic cave art. The powders are arranged on a steel plate, heated, and then picked up onto the vessel during the blowing process. Scoop was inspired by ancient and tribal pottery forms. The matte, acid-etched surface of the vessel tones down the hardness and shininess of the glass, giving the vessel the look of an anthropological or archaeological artifact. The sculpture Suspended Artifact consists of an "urn" with a basket-shaped handle, holding two stick-shaped tools made of glass, and two glass animal tusks "lashed" together with glass made to look like a strip of rawhide. Both objects are suspended from a large antler, which is also made of glass. It evokes ancient hunting rituals or early archaeological finds. Standing Stone was inspired by the Neolithic-period, lichen-stained stones that Morris saw on a trip to Scotland’s Orkney Islands. At the time this sculpture was made, its size was impressive because it was one of the largest objects to be attempted in mold-blown glass by an American artist.