Open 4 Discussion: The Importance of Process

I found this nice little ceramist spot with Elephant Ceramics on Design*Sponge, just now during my morning coffee blog stroll. I have a slightly tilted reaction to work like this. In my ceramic-traditionalist brain I'm thinking 'those are just slabs thrown over a hump mold with the edges chopped off and the texture hasn't even been removed." Okay, then I remind myself to think about whether I like it before I critique how it's made (which I know little to nothing about actually). I ask myself, "Is it pretty?" And surprisingly I answer YES! I like it. I know not everyone is as fond of rustic aesthetics as me but I love the unrefined. This little moment made me consider why we think process is so essential to art. I'm learning about this now in contemporary art history. And to me, the process isn't essential to the work, as long as the work can stand on it's own. Now I'm not saying that this collection represents the best of contemporary ceramic art... I don't think that's what the potter is attempting here. I guess its a means and ends question.... Does anyone else ever consider this?

How important do you think process is to the value of the finished work?

(image via artist's website)

Karin Eriksson

Another artist mad about decals. I really like Eriksson's combination of folksy shape and victorian florals. And the way she almost uses the decals as a collage on each piece is super modern.  I particularly love the shape of the mug just above though I'm curious how that handle works out... What do you guys think?

(images via artist's website)

Imiso Ceramics

Oh! I am loving these pieces from South African design collective Imiso Ceramics. Their work is bold and delicate and rustic all at once. It's no wonder shops all over the world are importing these pieces.

I could not possibly begin to share with you all the pieces that I would like to from this body of work so please visit Imiso's website as well as their Flickr photostream to read about the four artists and look at even more lovely pictures of their work.

(images via the collective's Flickr)

See: Parsely! Studio

I'm totally jealous of all the holiday shoppers who will be witness to the awesomeness that is the work from the See: Parsely! gang at the Chicago Renegade Craft Fair. Aren't these pieces so colorful and spunky?

Check out their blog, it's also awfully fun. These girls have a great energy about them and I just adore the things they think of.

(images via studio's blog)

Loren Kaplan

Aren't these lighting fixtures gorgeous? Kaplan and her husband, Anthony Shapiro, also make beautiful pottery in their studio in Johannesburg. Their website has even more photos.

(images via Amoeba Concepts and artist's own website)

Cabracega's All City

From the Cabracega's website:

Within the graffiti context, All City intends to re-interpret some of the most classical Portuguese porcelain sets: the nobility of classical shapes were re-invented with improbable graffiti motifs, based on a contemporary urban language.

It’s intended to confront two different places and times. On one hand, we have the elegant quality of porcelain - represented by the table sets and decorative objects, taking us back to a different timeframe. On the other hand, there is graffiti as an art form and a way for contemporary urban intervention, which aims to promote new perspectives over cityscapes.

Kinda in the same vain as Wedgwood, no?

(via Design Spotter)

Past Perfection: Wedgwood

Blogger Amy Azzaritto recently wrote a brilliant post for Design*Sponge on the history of Josiah Wedgewood. It's brief but chock full of wonderful images and great information. It definitely makes you want to read more... Thank goodness she included a further reading list! I plan on reading Dolan's Wedgewood: The First Tycoon as soon as I have the time. The company celebrates its 250th Anniversery this year. Talk about longevity.

(image via Antique Helper)

perch! design

Darling and clever, perch! design is the work of artist/designer Amy Adams. Simple but interesting shapes combine with gentle but flirtatious color to create unique lighting elements for anyone with a taste for handmade or modern. Adam's other designs include tableware and garden pottery that are just as charming. The artist's Flickr page is also worth peeking at to see other designs that aren't on the website as well as a glimpse into her studio and some cute pet photos. I can't wait to have a studio of my own just so I can have a studio-cat as cute as Gus.

P.S. Many goods are available for purchase online. Yay!

(all images via perch! design)

Spineless Lamps

These porcelain lamps from Frederik Roijé of Amsterdam remind me of the Pixar lamp. Very expressive.