Myungjin Kim

I have been an admirer of Myungjin Kim's work for a very long time. I'm sure you can see why. These works of art are whimsical, ethereal, charming, and reflective. Not to mention skillful. Insanely skillful.

(images via accessCeramics with artist's permission)

Stephanie Leach

I am always impressed by trompe l'oeil. And I am interested in Leach's interpretation of the classic still life. I especially love the barbie arms. Gives a whole new meaning to arm candy...
(images via artist's website)

Kuraoka Says to Know: Richard Shaw

Richard Shaw is part of the California Funk pack. He is a master (if not the master) of trompe l'oiel sculpture. His techniques are laborious and exact, yet his artwork emerges looking casual and playful and full of humor. He seems like neat guy, too. Watch this quirky ol' video to get a glimpse of the artist at work.

P.S. he studied at U.C. Davis, San Francisco Art Insitute, and Alfred NY.

(images via Frank LLoyd Gallery and artist's own website)

Karen Shapiro

Karen Shapiro is funny. And wildly smart. And her work is absolutely fabulous. Snarky, ironic, witty, and bold, Shapiro's raku sculptures leave a giant impression on the viewer, quite literally. Not only are the sculptures much, much larger than object's actual size but Shapiro carefully selects the images she wishes to hit us over the head with. The images I've curated for this post are an assemblage of the Modern Woman. I love it.

(images via artist's own website; portrait by Bill Apton)

Past Perfection: Marilyn Levine

I love when you see artwork within a greater design frame. Even if it's only your imagination putting it there.

This shot- part of a dedication post to designer Robyn Glaser on emmas designblogg- reminded me of the artwork of famous Bay Area trompe l'oeil ceramist Marilyn Levine as seen below. Her work is remarkable and how I would love to own a piece one fantastical day.