OBJECT by lauren manoogian is a capsule collection of artisanal peruvian ceramic forms

Brooklyn-based designer Lauren Manoogian, known for her slow fashion approach, has partnered with Paris-based maker Lætitia Jacquetton to create a distinctive series of vases. These unique vessels are crafted from glass blown directly around carefully selected rocks. The collaboration is currently featured in Manoogian's Manhattan showroom and is also available for viewing and purchase online. Manoogian's decision to showcase Jacquetton's work aligns with her broader intention to provide a platform for other artists and craftspeople whose work she admires and finds inspiring. This initiative, dubbed 'Object,' began organically through Manoogian's travels to Peru, where she discovered compelling ceramic traditions. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of wonder and emotional connection to physical objects, especially in an increasingly digital world. Lætitia Jacquetton's artistic practice seamlessly blends traditional glass-blowing expertise with a profound respect for the natural environment. She acquired her glass-blowing skills in Murano, Italy, and Nancy, France. Each of her sculptural pieces is created by blowing glass around rocks that she personally forages from nature, taking care not to disrupt the surrounding ecosystem. This process imbues her works with a sense of both rarity and reverence, effectively capturing a moment in time within a solid, poetic form. When discussing the parallels between their artistic approaches, Manoogian notes the seemingly simple yet transformative use of materials in both their works. She highlights that both their creations are sculptural and feature well-defined proportions, yet possess a mutable quality that arises from an intuitive process. This makes the pieces approachable and capable of enhancing daily life. Manoogian further elaborates that both their works are deeply intimate, both in their final use and in their creation process, emphasizing a shared tactility and an experimental drive to discover the ideal tension point within materials, which ultimately shapes the final form. The deliberate connection to nature embedded within Jacquetton's vessels is a central element that captivates the imagination. Manoogian expresses her appreciation for the artist's intention and the inherent uncontrollable elements within the creation process. She acknowledges the element of risk involved in making each piece, as Jacquetton works quickly, harnessing gravity and fire. The resulting forms are highly gestural, encapsulating the precise moment when all elements converge. This dynamic process is what imbues each vase with its unique aliveness and individuality, making every piece a singular creation. #Glassware #ArtCollaboration #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #LaurenManoogian #LaetitiaJacquetton #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials

This article explores the connection between individual personality traits and preferences for various ceramic styles, likening this classification to astrological signs. It delves into seven distinct pottery personalities, each associated with specific ceramic artists or brands and characteristic lifestyle choices. The first personality, described as "calm, cool, and collected," gravitates towards Bombabird ceramics. Individuals fitting this profile are depicted as reserved yet perceptive, valuing organic materials, quiet leisure, and engaging in hobbies like plant propagation. Their ideal retreat involves a secluded cabin, good books, and intricate puzzles, reflecting a desire for tranquility and thoughtful engagement. The "nature lover" personality is identified by an appreciation for Jonathan Yamakami's work. These individuals are characterized by a deep connection to the natural world, often recalling childhood explorations of tide pools. They enjoy outdoor activities like evening walks, prefer savory breakfasts, and show an interest in art forms like Ikebana, suggesting an aesthetic rooted in organic forms and natural beauty. For those who embody the "rebel with a cause," LBP Clay's creations resonate most. This personality type is portrayed as independent and unconventional, marching to their own beat. They are confident in their choices, possess a unique style, and engage in diverse activities ranging from helping a grandmother write her memoir to having synesthesia, all while maintaining a nonchalant attitude about their distinctiveness. The "young at heart" personality finds joy in Whitney Simpkins’s Personal Best Ceramics, which feature bold stripes, iridescent glazes, and pastel hues. These individuals are defined by their playful spirit, love for themed celebrations, and an affinity for vibrant, expressive aesthetics. They are depicted as enthusiastic and joy-seeking, embracing a lively and colorful approach to life. The "It Girl" personality is associated with Analuisa Corrigan’s ceramics and sculptures. This group comprises natural showstoppers who effortlessly excel in various domains, from cooking to mastering multiple languages. They possess an innate charisma, a flawless appearance, and a sophisticated lifestyle, suggesting a preference for ceramics that exude confidence and artistic flair. "Daydream believers" are drawn to Sam Kelly’s creations, often characterized by celestial or whimsical themes. This personality type is described as spiritual, compassionate, and open-minded, with an interest in alternative lifestyles, natural remedies, and existential inquiries. Their artistic preferences reflect a desire for pieces that inspire wonder and reflect a gentle, caring nature. Finally, the "craver of color" personality is perfectly matched with Raawii, a Danish brand known for its vibrant designs. These individuals are vibrant, fierce, and spirited, embracing bold aesthetics and an energetic lifestyle. They are described as design-conscious peacocks who appreciate strong colors, vintage styles, and lively social engagements, embodying a joyful and expressive approach to life and decor. #CeramicArt #PotteryPersonalities #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtisticExpression #LifestyleChoices #Craftsmanship

Laetitia Rouget, a ceramicist known for her distinctive and playful pieces, shares insights into her artistic journey and creative philosophy. Having transitioned from fashion design after studying at Central Saint Martins, she has since explored various mediums including print, textiles, and paint, before focusing on ceramics. Her work is characterized by a blend of British humor and eccentricity with a touch of French 'je ne sais quoi', infused with the light and sunshine of Lisbon, where she currently resides. Rouget's artistic development began at a young age, with a natural inclination towards drawing and a fascination with bold and vibrant colors. She honed her unique style around the age of 18, particularly through her passion for depicting the human body and creating original characters. Throughout her career, she has found inspiration in various sources, with a significant impact from artist Hylton Nel, whom she met during a trip to South Africa. This encounter directly influenced her decision to delve into ceramics upon her return. Beyond specific artists, Rouget emphasizes that her primary sources of inspiration are the people she encounters daily, the natural world, and the experience of traveling. She believes that visiting countries with diverse cultures opens the mind to unexpected ideas. She highlights that inspiration is fundamentally a state of mind, requiring curiosity, a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone, and an openness to subtle cues. Sometimes, even a minor detail can spark a new project or shift in direction. Her career shift from fashion design to selling her paintings and ceramics was initially a temporary exploration, but it quickly evolved into a full-time pursuit as she realized she could sustain herself through her artistic passion. Rouget cherishes memories and views objects as their vessels. She enjoys collecting pieces that tell a story, whether through interactions with artisans worldwide or by acquiring and refurbishing old furniture and items from second-hand markets. Her most extensive collection is ceramics, reflecting her passion for the medium and her support for fellow ceramicists, with each piece serving as a reminder of a specific period in her life. Rouget's personal preferences also contribute to her creative environment and perspective. She finds solace and motivation in music, particularly genres from South Africa and South America known for their happiness and energy, which she listens to while painting or drawing. She expresses a fondness for the energy and landscape of Menorca, particularly small towns where architectural details and tiles offer unexpected inspiration. Her literary tastes include _The Zebra_ by Alexandre Jardin, valued for its character's freedom and reality-creation, and _Journey to the Centre of the Earth_ by Jules Verne, which she plans to revisit with a fresh perspective. Culinary preferences lean towards French comfort food, such as gratin dauphinois with entrecôte, and a signature passion fruit and mango crumble. She enjoys dining at Mazi, a Greek restaurant in Notting Hill, and appreciates the unique experience of theatre, alongside a broader enjoyment of films and documentaries. Beyond Hylton Nel, she admires David Shrigley for his drawings and Grayson Perry for his tapestries and ceramics. #LaetitiaRouget #Ceramics #ArtisticInspiration #InteriorDesign #CreativeJourney #FashionToArt #ArtistProfile #HomeDecor #CulturalInfluence

The 'Vase with Stone' project, a collaboration between designer Martín Azúa and Marc Vidal, integrates craftwork and natural elements without artificial intervention, emphasizing the intrinsic honesty of both materials and artisanal techniques. This collection extends Azúa's earlier work from 1998, where he explored the interaction of porous ceramics with natural elements by submerging them in a river to absorb natural stains. In this current iteration, the project highlights the capacity of an organic component, specifically raw stones, to engage in a dialogue with a traditional craft process. The design methodology involves shaping the ceramic while it is still in its plastic stage, allowing the raw stones to interact with and deform the material. This interaction results in unique forms where the stone appears to exert its force directly on the ceramic surface, creating distinctive indentations and warps. The intention is to showcase an unrefined beauty, celebrating the inherent characteristics of the materials rather than imposing a completely controlled design. The raw stones used in the project are sourced from Colera on the Costa Brava and Catalonia, regions known for their natural landscapes, thereby linking the objects to their geographical origins. The vases are crafted from a highly porous white clay, a material choice that enables the observed distortions. This porosity also means the vases are not intended to hold water for fresh flowers, as they would act as filters. Instead, their purpose is purely decorative, serving as aesthetic objects that highlight the interplay between natural and crafted forms. The focus is on the beauty derived from their unrefined appearance and the narrative of their creation. Each vase in the collection is individually signed and numbered, reinforcing its status as a unique piece of art. They are delivered accompanied by the specific Colera stones that were instrumental in their formation, further emphasizing the direct connection between the natural element and the final ceramic form. This practice ensures that each owner receives not just a vase, but a complete narrative of its making, including the natural artifact that shaped it. The project demonstrates a philosophical approach to design, where natural processes and material properties are given prominence. It explores themes of collaboration between human craft and nature, the beauty of imperfection, and the potential for objects to tell a story through their form and origin. The resulting ceramic vases are sculptural pieces that stand alone as beautiful items, inviting contemplation on the balance between deliberate design and organic influence. #MartínAzúa #CeramicVases #RawStones #Craftsmanship #NaturalDesign #ProductDesign #SculpturalArt #Designboom

Brussels-based artist Eléonore Joulin transforms everyday foods into a unique collection of ceramic home goods, including lamps and vases. Her work draws inspiration from various edibles, resulting in sculptural pieces that are both artistic and functional. For instance, she crafts a 'Cabbage House' by layering crinkled ceramic cabbage leaves to form a dwelling-like structure, and creates a 'Sausage' lamp by twisting a long ceramic sausage into a sculptural, worm-like form. Many of her creations are equipped with a bulb and cord, converting items like a wedge of blue cheese or a large pickle into functional lighting fixtures, demonstrating a playful approach to design. Joulin's creative process often begins with extensive experimentation with different metallic oxides and chemical compounds to achieve specific textures and colors. She notes that the combination of titanium and iron oxides, for example, produces a range of beige to brown tones, which inspired her exploration of bread-like textures. This meticulous research is crucial to her work, as she is currently focused on developing the perfect glaze to replicate the appearance of a French brioche in her ceramic pieces. Her artistic practice highlights the intersection of culinary aesthetics and ceramic craftsmanship. Beyond the 'Cabbage House' and 'Sausage' lamp, her collection features a 'Leek vase' designed to resemble a sliced leek, and a 'Morbier cheese' lamp that captures the distinctive blue pockets of the cheese. Another notable piece is the 'Big Pickle' lamp, which transforms a common condiment into an oversized, whimsical lighting element. These designs are a testament to Joulin's ability to infuse humor and unexpected beauty into functional household items, challenging conventional notions of art and utility. Eléonore Joulin's work will be featured in a group exhibition at La Corvée in Paris, opening on June 7. Her designs blend art, craft, and functional design, offering a fresh perspective on how everyday objects can be reinterpreted through ceramic artistry. Her approach not only creates visually engaging pieces but also invites viewers to consider the unexpected beauty and utility that can be found in common forms and materials. #ceramics #EleonoreJoulin #food #lamps #light #sculpture #homeDecor #ceramicArt #functionalArt

Piaule, an online-only brand focused on homewares, has launched its fourth collection, “Vessels,” featuring a large ceramic bowl and a vase crafted from 100% porcelain. This release comes approximately a year after their previous product, a set of hardened fine crystal glasses, highlighting the brand's unhurried and meticulous production process. The new "Vessels" collection continues Piaule's collaboration with the same ceramicist responsible for their earlier porcelain tableware set, which includes a ceramic bowl and plate. The large bowl, priced at $60, is presented as ideal for the soup season, while the vase, costing $90, is designed with versatility in mind, capable of functioning as a pitcher. A notable design element is the invisible symmetry between the two pieces: the bowl's width precisely matches the vase's height. Both items are entirely made in America. Nolan McHugh, the founder of Piaule, emphasized the brand's deliberate approach to product development, stating that he and his partner, Trevor, are highly selective and refuse to compromise on quality for the sake of releasing new items quickly. This philosophy explains the significant time gaps between product launches. McHugh noted that numerous designs and prototypes have been tried, tested, and subsequently rejected over the past year, with many others still in development. The brand's commitment to beauty, usefulness, and durability is paramount, ensuring that no product is released until it meets these stringent criteria. One example of Piaule's extensive testing process is their work on bedsheets, a product McHugh considers a logical extension for the brand. Despite two years of development and approximately 50 different samples, the bedsheets are still not ready for release. The testing involves real-world usage over long periods—at least eight hours a night—followed by assessment of their resilience after multiple washes. McHugh clarified that such thorough testing cannot be expedited, reflecting Piaule's dedication to quality over speed. He further explained that while there are easier ways to expand their product catalog, finding items they genuinely believe in and that meet their standards takes considerable time and effort. Beyond product quality, Piaule also considers the broader implications of consumption. McHugh stated that the brand aims to avoid contributing to waste unless a product is genuinely necessary. This involves exploring recycling, reusing materials, and alternative production methods before proceeding with any new item. The outcome of this thoughtful approach is a curated, slowly expanding catalog of products that the founders themselves love and use daily, with the hope that customers will share the same appreciation and find lasting value in them. The images accompanying the article are provided courtesy of Piaule, showcasing the minimalist aesthetic of the new ceramic vessels. #Piaule #CeramicVessels #MinimalistDesign #Homewares #Porcelain #MadeInUSA #Handmade #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor

In an increasingly digital and corporate world, a resurgence of interest in arts and crafts has led to a boom in pottery. Ceramicists are now transforming utilitarian objects like mugs, pitchers, and planters into pieces of art worthy of a gallery. This guide highlights eleven contemporary ceramic makers from across the globe, along with two notable vintage pieces, providing inspiration for personal collections or unique holiday gifts. The featured artists demonstrate a wide range of styles and techniques. Settlewell, based in Long Beach, California, uses handmade molds and pigment blends to create tie-dyed concrete pieces, making each item distinct. Shino Takeda, originally from Kyushu, Japan, but now based in Brooklyn, combines traditional Japanese pottery forms with the vibrant energy of New York, resulting in playful and distinctive works. Los Angeles-based K&R;, a husband-and-wife duo, produces high-fired stoneware that is both aesthetically pleasing enough for display and durable for daily use. Akio Nukaga, a master potter from Kasama, Japan, crafts clay pots that evoke an ancient aesthetic. His work has gained international recognition, being showcased in venues like Heath Ceramics in San Francisco and Merci in Paris. Brooklyn-based Suzanne Sullivan blurs the lines between art and craft with her hand-built porcelain pieces, featuring gilded and intentionally irregular teacups that elevate everyday routines into artistic experiences. The guide also includes two iconic vintage pieces: Willy Guhl planters. These indoor-outdoor planters, designed by the influential Swiss designer, are known for their timeless appeal and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time, making them a significant addition to any space. Architectural Pottery from San Diego, hand-made in the U.S. since 1950, offers strikingly simple geometric planters that were highly favored by midcentury architects and have even been exhibited at MoMA. Derek Wilson Ceramics, based in Belfast, features deceptively simple celadon-glazed porcelain and stoneware designs. Wilson's work stands out for its inventive use of color and geometry, which reimagines traditional shapes. Robert Hessler from Kingston, New York, creates striking, uniquely shaped, hand-thrown pieces. His use of a special glazing technique crystallizes the surface of his pottery, bringing them to life with intricate detail. Heath Ceramics, one of California's original potteries still in operation, offers simple, modern pieces that serve as an excellent starting point for those beginning their ceramics collection. Lastly, Clam Lab in Catskill, New York, led by ceramicist Clair Catillaz, produces primitive designs that resemble ancient unearthed artifacts through unique glazing and multiple firing processes. #Ceramics #Pottery #HolidayGiftGuide #ArtisanCrafts #HomeDecor #ContemporaryArt #DesignInspiration #HandmadeGoods #GiftIdeas

Expanded Eye, an artistic duo composed of Lisbon-based artists Jade Tomlinson and Kevin James, is exploring the divine feminine and the 'peaceful power of the Earthmother' through their recent sculptural works. Their art blurs the lines between abstraction and figuration, incorporating characteristic geometric and figurative elements. The duo is well-known for their unique approach to tattoos and assemblages, which often utilize wood and repurposed materials to create bold and textured compositions. They have temporarily paused their tattoo practice to dedicate their focus to developing these sculptural reliefs. Ceramic work has become a central part of their artistic process, drawing inspiration from Portugal's rich tradition of azulejo tiles, which symbolizes cross-cultural exchange. The artists aim to use this ancient, earthy material to depict serene guardians in earth-toned colors, seeking to evoke a sense of stillness and calm in contemporary society. Their compositions represent a convergence of past and present, exploring themes of timelessness and continuity through traditional techniques of working with clay, carving, and building. The graphic elements and fragmented features within their work also draw parallels to early 20th-century art historical Modernism, particularly the Cubist movement. Tomlinson and James highlight that the fusion of traditional materials with a modern artistic approach is a significant source of inspiration for them, serving as a connection between historical practices and the present day. Expanded Eye is currently undertaking their largest tile commission to date, and they intend to further integrate ceramics with other aspects of their diverse artistic practice. Their work continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of material and form while maintaining a consistent thematic thread of earthy connection and timeless spiritual presence. #ExpandedEye #CeramicArt #WoodSculpture #Assemblage #FigurativeArt #AbstractArt #PortugueseArt #EarthMaterials #ContemporaryArt

The David Gill Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Vases and Vessels', showcasing approximately 50 contemporary vases and vessels crafted by both established and emerging glass and ceramics artists. Most of the pieces were specially commissioned for the exhibition within the last six months, offering a fresh and diverse look at the current state of contemporary decorative arts. The exhibition, curated by journalist Gianluca Longo, highlights the evolving role of vases beyond mere functionality, positioning them as sculptural and versatile art forms capable of transforming an interior space. Gianluca Longo, known for his work with *W* and *Cabana* magazines, expresses a long-standing fascination with vases, particularly decorative ones, appreciating their dual capacity for aesthetic appeal and practical use. He notes their sculptural qualities and their ability to adapt significantly depending on the floral arrangements chosen. Longo's curation emphasizes 'craftsmanship and the handmade,' reflecting an instinctive selection process guided by a desire for strong decorative elements and a diversity of artistic styles. The exhibition features a wide array of influences, materials, and styles from various artists across the globe. Among the featured artists are Domitilla Harding, whose translucent glass vessels evoke deep-sea creatures, and Cody Hoyt, known for his intricate geometric vases made from inlaid hand-colored clay. Other notable artists include Kate Malone, Beth Katleman, Tommaso Corvi-Mora, Tancredi di Carcaci, Tino Seubert, Felicity Aylieff, Lena Peters, and Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda. Longo specifically commissioned several pieces, such as Kate Malone’s ‘Monumental Fennel’, Tino Seubert’s terrazzo ‘Heptagon Rosa Perlino’, and Lena Peter’s ‘Owl’, the latter discovered by Longo at Central Saint Martins’ final degree show. The curator highlights emerging talents like Tancredi di Carcaci, a student from Edinburgh whose work reflects southern European baroque influences. Beth Katleman’s 'Vase with Cherubs' is described as adding a 'cheeky moment' to the exhibition and is expected to be a surprise for many, given her relatively lower recognition in the UK compared to New York. Longo expresses his belief in a growing interest in decorative arts, hoping the exhibition will underscore this trend through the unique vases and vessels on display. Francis Sultana, CEO of David Gill Gallery, prior to the opening, anticipated the exhibition would be a vibrant showcase, given Longo’s particular interest in glass and Venetian majolica vases. Sultana believed the exhibition would bring renewed attention to this ancient art form through the works of highly talented contemporary artists. This exhibition follows Longo’s previous success with ‘Young Bright Things’, an exhibition that spotlighted rising stars in fashion, art, and design. 'Vases and Vessels' is open for public viewing until 5 December at the David Gill Gallery, located at 2-4 King Street, London SW1Y 6QP. #VasesAndVessels #ContemporaryArt #DavidGillGallery #DecorativeArts #GlassDesign #Ceramics #GianlucaLongo #Craftsmanship #LondonExhibition

Brussels-based artist Eléonore Joulin creates ceramic pieces that playfully reimagine food items as functional or decorative objects. Her work transforms everyday consumables like cheese wedges, leafy greens, loaves of bread, and zucchini into unique art forms, including vases and lighting fixtures. Joulin is recognized for her imaginative lamps and vessels that emulate various foods, from vegetables to sausages. A notable example is a challah loaf ingeniously converted into a vase, and a melting Raclette cheese wheel that serves as a lighting fixture. A key aspect of Joulin's artistic process involves extensive experimentation with glazes. She handcrafts her own glazes to achieve specific finishes and hues, which are crucial for creating a trompe-l’œil effect. This technique makes her ceramic pieces appear remarkably similar to the actual food items they represent, such as cabbage leaves seemingly folded into the shape of shoes. The inherent durability of ceramics introduces a subtle tension in her work; while real greens would wilt and bread would mold, Joulin's ceramic counterparts maintain their form indefinitely, challenging the viewer's expectations of organic decay. In a recent project, Joulin dedicated approximately six months to perfecting a glaze and texture combination that would effectively mimic wood. She explored various methods, including an oxide juice technique and even a rubber tool typically used by carpenters for creating fake wood textures. Ultimately, she achieved her desired effect by combining three different matte glazes. This meticulous approach underscores her commitment to material exploration and transformation. Joulin has hinted at future projects, including a potential cuckoo clock, suggesting a continued expansion of her playful and deceptive ceramic creations. Her art not only showcases technical skill in ceramics but also injects a sense of humor and whimsy into domestic objects. The transformation of transient food items into permanent, artistic pieces offers a fresh perspective on everyday objects and their potential for artistic reinterpretation. Joulin's work encourages viewers to consider the artistry in the mundane and the unexpected ways in which materials can be manipulated to evoke familiarity while simultaneously surprising the senses. #EléonoreJoulin #CeramicArt #FoodArt #Sculpture #TrompeLoeil #FunctionalArt #HomeDecor #Craft #PlayfulDesign

Ceramic artist Peter Lane's work is explored through a monograph, highlighting his distinctive approach to large-scale architectural installations and his unique position within contemporary ceramics. Lane's process typically begins on the studio floor, where he and his team lay a thick clay slab. This slab is then meticulously sculpted, marked into a grid, and cut into modular units. Each component undergoes separate glazing and firing, often featuring metallic leaf details in white gold, yellow gold, or palladium. The completed units are then installed on walls, with each composition conceived as site-specific, resulting in monumental pieces that blend art, craft, engineering, and architecture. Lane's prominence in contemporary ceramics stems from the sheer scale of his operations, exemplified by his 10,000-square-foot Brooklyn studio, which houses New York City's largest kiln capacity. His interdisciplinary work transcends traditional boundaries, integrating elements of sculpture, painting, architecture, and interior design. Initially a painter focused on materiality, Lane discovered ceramics through a serendipitous encounter with mid-century modern pottery. This led him to Greenwich House Pottery, an Arts and Crafts institution, where he quickly embraced clay. His early creations included functional lamp bases, but his artistic scope expanded significantly following trips to Japan in 1998, which exposed him to an aesthetic that valued both artistic pottery and decorative painting. This exposure inspired Lane to develop a versatile artistic idiom applicable across various contexts and scales, from tableware and vases to furniture, murals, and complete interiors. Renowned designers and architects, such as Chahan Minassian and Peter Marino, recognized his talent and began incorporating his work into their projects. Lane soon started receiving independent commissions, primarily for residential settings, where his genius for monumental bespoke work became evident. Consistency and variation are hallmarks of Lane's success. His works are immediately identifiable by their deep relief textures and gilt spheres, yet he continually discovers new possibilities within this established vocabulary. A significant variable is his glazes, which he formulates from scratch, utilizing minerals like cobalt, manganese, and copper to achieve a wide chromatic range. The grid structure, a practical necessity for tilework, is transformed by Lane into an element of sculptural interest, with striations, perforations, or accordion folds moving across the regular backdrop, preventing the grid from completely disappearing under the biomorphic forms. One of Lane’s most notable commissions to date is the interior for the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, completed in 2017. Collaborating with Minassian and architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, he designed the walls for the hotel's swimming pool, which is part of a spa area beneath a courtyard. This project was part of a major renovation of the 18th-century building, aiming for a streamlined opulence that distinguished it from contemporary hotel renovations. Despite working on high-profile commissions and for celebrity clients like Robert Downey, Jr., Lane maintains an unpretentious approach, remaining hands-on in his studio daily, transforming raw clay into evocative installations that infuse spaces with mood and physicality. #PeterLane #CeramicArt #ArchitecturalInstallations #InteriorDesign #Sculpture #ClayArt #BespokeArt #Materiality #HôtelDeCrillon

Beginner Ceramics, a Brooklyn-based studio, showcases a playful yet technically proficient approach to clay, transforming everyday objects into sculptural art. The studio's latest collection features new interpretations of their signature Endless Lamp, a series of Looping Mirrors, and an ambitious Dune Signal Vase, all characterized by a confident sense of exploration and a deep understanding of form. The brand challenges its name, demonstrating mastery in crafting pieces that blend functionality with artistic expression. The Endless Lamp series expands with new double- and triple-stacked configurations, emphasizing height, repetition, and scale. These lamps are constructed from hand-thrown ceramic sections, forming a rhythmic silhouette. Each lamp is topped with an unglazed shade, designed to emit a soft, linen-like glow, and includes a brass dimmer for enhanced tactility and warmth. The design draws inspiration from early ceramic traditions and Brancusi’s 'The Infinite Column,' merging a playful aesthetic with precise execution through vibrant color choices. Complementing the lamps, Beginner Ceramics introduces the Looping Mirrors, which reimagine reflection through rhythmic, sculptural frames. These mirrors are available in various shapes—round, square, oval, and rectangular—each framed by hand-sculpted ceramic coils. These coils are joined to create continuous, flowing patterns, reminiscent of cursive script and Art Deco lighting. The repetitive nature of the coils introduces a sense of movement and softness to the mirror's edges. Functioning as both reflective surfaces and sculptural art pieces, these mirrors enhance interior spaces with dramatic flair and personality. Custom sizing options ensure seamless integration into any design scheme. The collection is further highlighted by the Dune Signal Vase, which represents one of the studio’s largest and most intricate creations to date. This piece skillfully combines two of the studio’s signature vase silhouettes: the embracing handles of the Dune Vase and the distinctive negative-space framing of the Signal Vase. The resulting design features geometric, layered details that invite contemplation, guiding the observer's eye across its complex form. This vase exemplifies the studio's commitment to creating objects that are both visually striking and thought-provoking. Across its range of lighting, mirrors, and vases, Beginner Ceramics consistently blurs the boundaries between functional objects and artistic sculptures. The new collections are a testament to the studio's philosophy of treating everyday items as opportunities for creative experimentation, personal expression, and aesthetic enjoyment. Each piece—whether stacked, looped, or scaled—is designed to be both useful and captivating, inviting engagement and appreciative observation without being overly serious. #CeramicDesign #HomeFurnishings #SculpturalObjects #ModernLighting #DecorativeMirrors #VaseDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDecor #DesignInnovation

The homewares brand Vaisselle, founded by Léa Zana, integrates floral designs into its artistic pieces, reflecting a belief that the world needs more flowers and color. Vaisselle's designs draw inspiration from French tradition and global antiques, including those from India and the Mediterranean, allowing customers to build a unique and playful collection over time. The brand is known for its blooming floral creations, which are skillfully painted onto its products. Léa Zana, originally a fashion designer, transitioned to tableware, bringing a diverse vintage aesthetic to Vaisselle. Her passion for vibrant, mismatched ceramics was cultivated during her childhood, exploring French flea markets with her grandmother. Her background in couture design has contributed to an ornate yet handcrafted approach to her work, emphasizing the intricate details in each piece. She designs each Vaisselle tableware item in London, and these are then handcrafted in Spain by a husband-and-wife artisan team. The designs are meticulously hand-painted onto ceramics, with flowers being a consistent motif across all pieces, symbolizing the artist's appreciation for their deeper meaning. Zana's inspiration for her home decor creations stems from her upbringing in a household of women. She recalls her grandmother's meticulous approach to presentation, including the use of specific cutlery for different meals and tablecloths, representing a sense of care and safety. Léa aims to continue this tradition of attentiveness while modernizing it with a playful touch, especially through the incorporation of floral elements. Her primary influences are nature, flowers, and Roman architecture, evident in every Vaisselle collection, whether it's Goldilocks climbing a lime-washed wall or daisies reminiscent of her late grandmother's garden. Her birthplace in a French town surrounded by Roman ruins has also significantly shaped her creative vision. Vaisselle's creations contribute to making interior spaces brighter and more cheerful through the addition of color and unique table settings. Léa is recognized for her mastery in designing extraordinary table decor. A key aspect of her work is the preservation of ancient techniques in producing small batches of ceramics and glassware, aligning with eco-responsible practices. Each piece is lovingly crafted using local white clay, lead-free paints, and natural pigments, underscoring the brand's commitment to sustainability and quality. The integration of floral art into homewares by Vaisselle showcases a blend of artistic creativity, traditional craftsmanship, and an eco-conscious approach to design. #FloralArt #CeramicArtist #Homewares #HomeDecor #TablewareDesign #HandcraftedCeramics #LéaZana #VaisselleBoutique #InteriorDesign

Patricia Urquiola has collaborated with Italian brand Mutina to launch Cover, a new collection of ceramic tiles. This collection is one of five new additions to Mutina's repertoire, showcasing Urquiola's exploration of diverse materiality and geometric forms. The Cover collection features unglazed porcelain tiles available in three distinct textures: Base, Grid, and Nube. These textures can be further customized by combining them with a selection of eight patterns, including Bouclé, Daphne, Liberty, Nouveau, Poppy, Rounded, Scarabeo, and Stitch. This variety allows for extensive personalization and design flexibility. A notable aspect of the Cover collection is the inclusion of large-format tiles, measuring 12 by 240 centimeters. These oversized tiles are available across all three textures, a feat made possible by the application of Continua Plus compaction technology. This advanced method facilitates the application of intricate aesthetic effects on large ceramic surfaces. The manufacturing process involves blending different clays with a micro-grit mixture to establish a pattern base, followed by a silk-screen printing technique to finalize the design. This innovative approach enables Mutina to produce an almost limitless array of irregular, figurative, and geometric patterns, offering a unique visual landscape reminiscent of moving clouds in the sky. In addition to the large-format tiles, the collection offers mid-size tiles (120 by 120 centimeters) and smaller tiles (30 by 120 centimeters). The color palette for the Cover collection is confined to white, grey, and black. However, the manufacturing process allows for variations in the intensity and density of these colors, resulting in a range of greyscale shades within each color set. Urquiola's objective was to create large, irregular patterns with varying color intensities and densities, evoking the dynamic and ever-changing appearance of the sky. The Continua Plus compaction technology not only enhances aesthetic possibilities but also contributes to the structural integrity of the tiles. These tiles are engineered to be stronger and denser compared to those produced using traditional pressing techniques. Consequently, the Cover tiles are versatile and suitable for both floor and wall applications, accommodating both interior and exterior environments. This durability and adaptability make them a practical choice for a wide range of design projects. Patricia Urquiola has a longstanding partnership with Mutina, dating back to her Déchirer range launched in 2008. The Déchirer collection is recognized by Mutina as a pivotal release that differentiated the company in the global tile market. Mutina's recent product launches also include an expansion of the Déchirer range, named Déchirer XL. This extension features large-format tiles that allow the characteristic bas-relief decorations to span greater surface areas, minimizing the number of joints between tiles. The Déchirer XL unglazed porcelain tiles are specifically designed for wall coverings and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, available in Gesso, Grafite, and Avana colors. Further expanding their offerings, Mutina has introduced Piano, a casual collection by French designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, and two designs by London-based studio Raw Edges, named Tape and Folded XL. Coinciding with these product releases, Mutina has also inaugurated a new showroom and a contemporary art exhibition space. Both facilities are situated at the brand's headquarters in Fiorano, Italy, a building originally designed by architect Angelo Mangiarotti in the 1970s. These developments highlight Mutina's commitment to design innovation and its engagement with the broader creative community. #PatriciaUrquiola #Mutina #CeramicTiles #CoverCollection #InteriorDesign #MaterialInnovation #HomeDecoration #DesignCollaboration #ArchitecturalFinishes

The ancient game of chess, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, has provided the inspiration for the Kish o Mat ceramics collection by British-Iranian artist Sara Khamisi. As co-founder and art director of Sandro Lopez Milano, Khamisi draws upon the Persian origins of the term "checkmate" ("Kish o Mat") to create a series of handmade ceramics that celebrate the game's evolving nature and its distinct pieces. The collection delves into the narrative aspect of chess through abstracted forms, further enhanced by an accompanying black and white film in the French Nouvelle Vague style, featuring two protagonists engaging in a chess match with the ceramics as central elements. Each ceramic piece in the Kish o Mat collection is designed to reflect a specific chess piece, translating its essence and movement into a unique sculptural form. The "King" vase, for instance, is a testament to abstraction, featuring hand-built forms that culminate in a three-pointed crown motif. Its extruded design and distinct planes interact with light, creating varied tones. Available in traditional Matte White and Matte Black, it also offers a Pink version for those seeking a more unconventional aesthetic. Similarly, the "Queen" vase embodies elegance and power with its cylindrical shape intersected by a flat panel, creating a bold, geometric presence, and is offered in the same color palette as the King. The "Pawn" ceramic adopts a low profile, characterized by a simple yet elegant departure from a traditional circular form. It serves as a versatile piece, suitable for holding fruit, small items, or a squat candle, elevating the aesthetic of any entryway or tablescape. The "Knight" vase is represented by a stylized, number-four-like shape, featuring strong planes that ascend, mimicking the unique L-shaped movement of the knight on the chessboard. This design is ideal for framing large blooms or branches and, when combined with other pieces and colors from the collection, fosters a dynamic visual dialogue on any surface. The "Bishop" vase, available in Turquoise, Matte White, and Matte Black, symbolizes the diagonal movement of its chess counterpart through a divided and translated circular motif that cradles plant life. The "Rook" ceramic is defined by an angular form, combining a square base with intersecting planes, an artistic representation of the rook's ability to move forward, backward, and sideways across the board. Sara Khamisi, with her background in sculpture, industrial design, and art direction, co-founded Sandro Lopez Milano in 2020. Her expertise is evident in the Kish o Mat collection, which exemplifies art-inspired furnishings designed to invigorate home environments with delightful and thoughtful design. The Kish o Mat collection transcends mere decorative items; it offers a deeper connection to the historical and strategic nuances of chess, reinterpreting them through contemporary ceramic art. The meticulous craftsmanship and conceptual depth behind each piece invite contemplation of form, function, and narrative. Through these ceramics, Khamisi demonstrates how ancient games can continue to inspire modern design, bridging millennia of human ingenuity and artistic expression to create objects that are both visually striking and intellectually engaging. #CeramicArt #HomeDecor #ChessInspiredDesign #SandroLopezMilano #SaraKhamisi #HandmadeCeramics #VaseCollection #InteriorDesign #AbstractForms

Drag And Drop, a Romanian design and manufacturing studio co-founded by Madalin Gheorghe and Dragos Sabareanu in 2019, is known for its innovative approach to design, merging advanced technology with artisanal techniques. The studio's ceramic collection showcases this philosophy by reimagining the function and aesthetics of everyday objects, specifically vases. The creation process leverages a large 3D-ceramic printer to produce intricate patterns, which are developed using sophisticated algorithmic modeling software. Throughout the design and manufacturing process, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and overall quality. The collection features five distinct vase designs, each drawing inspiration from natural patterns and traditional craftsmanship. The 'Intertwined' vase, for instance, is characterized by its organic, interwoven geometric pattern, reminiscent of growth structures found in tree bark and root systems. This unique design is achieved through 3D printing using 100% natural clay. While the interior of the Intertwined vase is hand-glazed, its exterior maintains a matte finish, a consistent characteristic across the entire ceramic collection. This contrast highlights the intricate textures created by the 3D printing process. Another design, 'Bulky,' is offered in three different sizes. This vase features a textile-like pattern that interacts with light throughout the day, creating varying visual effects. The design encourages tactile engagement, inviting individuals to explore its geometric forms and textures through touch. This interactive element adds another dimension to the appreciation of the piece, allowing for a more intimate connection with its design and material. The 'Ripple' vase demonstrates the studio's ability to translate complex mathematical formulae into aesthetically pleasing natural patterns. Its design mimics the visual effect of rippling liquid, such as the concentric circles formed when a stone is dropped into water. This piece exemplifies how technology can be used to replicate and enhance natural phenomena, creating objects that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. The wave-like pattern provides a sense of movement and fluidity, despite the static nature of the ceramic material. The 'Kilim' vase pays homage to the traditional tapestry-weaving methods employed in regions historically part of the Persian Empire. This design represents a contemporary reinterpretation of an ancient craft, demonstrating a harmonious blend of traditional artistry and modern industrial design. By translating the intricate patterns of kilim carpets into a 3D-printed ceramic form, the studio bridges the gap between historical techniques and cutting-edge manufacturing, creating a piece that is culturally resonant and technologically advanced. Finally, the 'Melting' vase directly incorporates its manufacturing process into its aesthetic. The design plays on the suppleness of wet clay during the layering process of 3D printing, creating the illusion of a soft object that appears to be melting. This visual effect is achieved despite the hard, finished ceramic product, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. The Melting vase challenges perceptions of material properties, making a rigid object appear fluid and malleable, highlighting the transformative potential of 3D printing in ceramic art. #3DPrinting #CeramicVases #NatureInspiredDesign #AlgorithmicModeling #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #ModernCraftsmanship #DragAndDropDesign #InteriorDesign