Vessels
Kansai Noguchi Studio — kansainoguchistudio.com
Written by Hannah Holbrook
Lately, I have been increasingly entranced by ceramics - specifically vessels, or vases if you will. I have always loved the ability to create something using just your imagination and your hands. That’s probably why I would make “mud-pies” in my yard as a kid. Turns out, ceramics was not my calling, but I do love admiring the work of talented artists. As I have grown as a designer, I have particularly admired the ability of this element to add an architectural feature to the design of a space.
I don’t begin to know the origin, the history, of ceramics, so I’m not going to bore you with a history session I just googled. I do know it’s one of the oldest expressions of art, and it is a beautiful form at that. Vessels can come in all shapes and sizes, and are wonderful tools to accent a bookcase, fireplace mantel, or a large void space in a commercial setting. They’re great conversation starters, space fillers, and additions to creating an eye-catching design. You can fill them with various types of plants or branches - but they’re just as beautiful left empty. I consider them a malleable design accent - being able to be used and transformed in an endless amount of ways.
Each artist has such a unique perspective and take on their work. But it all has one thing in common - it’s organic, it’s raw, and it’s exquisite. There are so many artists I love right now that it was hard to choose only a few, but here are my favorite ceramic artists of the moment.
Christiane Wilhelm Keramik
Her approach is almost oriental and vintage in my opinion. I love the unique types of shapes she does - the base is typically quite small, then it expands in a beautiful round width, yet many pieces have clean lines throughout. She also incorporates the most interesting textures and soothing, yet moody colors. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition of shape, color and textures that makes you look at a piece and ponder.
Derek Wilson Ceramics
Oh my goodness, Derek Wilson Ceramics! To me, he is the king of geometric ceramics. It looks as if a computer generated the design and a 3D printer spit it out. Every part of his work is perfection. I wonder if he was good at geometry?
Eric Roinstad, ER Studio LA
As a person who loves everything minimalist and who has a closet full of only black and white clothes (with some grey/tan variations) - I am very drawn to the simplicity of the work of Eric Roinstad. Almost every piece of his current work is in a white finish. It reminds me of pieces you would find in Greek or Roman times - and I am OBSESSED. I would fill every niche in my house with these beauties!
Kerryn Levy Ceramics
The work of Kerryn Levy is the perfect example of what I alluded to earlier - organic and raw. It reminds me of something you would find in nature - and it is perfect. The way she creates the curves is exquisite - unlike anything I have seen in any other artists work.
Other ceramic artists I am obsessed with:
The iconic Salvatore Fiume
Jeanne Bonnefoy-Mercuriali
Elise Birnbaum (Oatmeal Shop)
Mujin Shin
Anne Marie Peters
