Collector’s Corner: unique ceramics
In the ‘Collector’s Corner’ series, I explore my favorite artists, artisans, and sources for unique, one-of-a-kind art and home decor.
So, I collect things. A lot of things. Ever since I was a little girl, I started (and stopped) countless collections of random items. Beanie babies, marbles, buttons…you get the idea. No one has ever called me a minimalist. Nowadays, that little hoarder in me has grown up (somewhat), and I’ve redirected my tendencies to accumulate onto art and home décor. Although I appreciate mixing in special, higher end items with your everyday décor essentials from big box stores, I’m dedicating this blog post (and future posts in the ‘Collector’s Corner’ series) to those super-exceptional, one-of-a-kind ceramics and pottery. I’m talking about the kind of ceramics – vases, planters, sculptures, wall hangings, etc. – that have something about them, a certain quality that exudes both interest and soul. Read on to discover some of my favorite ceramicists and shops to find their noteworthy works.
Karen Gayle Tinney
Karen Gayle Tinney’s work exudes that feeling of understated cool. Her perfectly imperfect bowls and vessels incorporate both ceramic and woven fiber, resulting in an innovative juxtaposition of the two. They’re arty, but not ugly. Just by holding one of her pieces, you know that while it’s meant to be treasured, it’s not intended to be precious.
Currently on her website – www.karentinney.com - she offers four different collections: the standard collection, limited editions, wall sculptures, and the vessels collection, which offers one-of-a-kind pieces that are jaw-dropping in their design. Tinney’s website also offers a selection of mirrors, each of which use woven fibers in various frame designs.
I own a few of her pieces, and believe me: they’re worth every penny.
LRNCE
Wanna make a statement with your home decor? Then LRNCE is the lifestyle brand for you. Founded in 2013, this studio offers an array of home goods, including textiles, lamps, and apparel. But, in my opinion, if you want to invest in a piece of their décor, you’ll want to select one of their ceramic offerings. They’re just too good, especially the vases. The vases are all hand-painted, and each has its own quirky abstract design. The paint colors are at once vibrant yet imbued with a sun-faded quality. The designs are of a kind that make you take a second look. Bottom line: LRNCE has the corner on cool. Check them out at www.lrnce.com.
MQuan
The first time I spotted Michele Quan’s ceramics in the wild, my heart went pitter-patter in the worst way. Her ceramics are on point, and in every way epitomize my overall design aesthetic. Quan’s work is minimal, yet striking, with each piece using either pops of black or primary color against a neutral, stone white background. They’re truly beautiful in their simplicity. I have a little trinket dish with that unmistakable “constellations” motif she’s so well known for, and I’ve planned – as soon as I can afford it! – to purchase one of her “Curtain” wall hangings for a while now. While you can buy Quan’s ceramic offerings at a variety of online home goods companies, it’s definitely worthwhile to go directly to the source – www.mquan.com - especially if you choose to go the custom route.
Mari Masot
Mari Masot – a nom de plume for ceramicist Melissa McInturff – is a ceramics line made in small batches and entirely by hand in Barcelona. You can purchase these architectural pieces straight from the website, www.marimasot.com, but fair warning - they sell out fast. And it’s no wonder: not only are these vessels spectacular in both color and form, they’re also fairly reasonably priced, with many coming in at around 110 to 140 Euros (for those of you that are like me – AKA ‘Murican with no concept of currency conversion ratios – that’s approximately $111 to $142 U.S. Dollars). In my book, that’s a pretty dang reasonable shell out for a gorgeous, collectible vessel like Mari Masot offers.
Heather Levine
Oh my, Heather Levine Ceramics, be still my heart. Levine’s works are raw and have an almost ancient quality to them, and her ability to combine various shapes, sizes, and colors can’t be beat. I don’t know which I love more – her wall hangings, or those darling ceramic pendant lights I covet so much. And I’m not the only one: her work is constantly sold out. In fact, her website – www.heatherlevine.com - essentially only shows pieces that have already been sold. That’s how fast they sell. While it’s hard to just randomly go to her website and buy something that day, Levine makes it a little easier to acquire if you join her mailing list, which, among other things, alerts you to upcoming collections and shop releases.
Where to Buy Cool + Unusual Ceramics
Interested in discovering even more unique ceramic studios? Then you should check out the following online shops:
Pepite (currently only ships inside of Australia, but if you email them regarding a particular piece, they’ll give you an international shipping quote)
Alright guys, that’s all I’ve got for today. Thanks for reading, and, if you’re interested in MAW Interiors designing your home, click the Inquire button below!
