Creators, designers and makers the world over are cropping up with beautiful yet functional ceramic pieces ideal for the home. And, for every taste, there’s a maker producing unique art that fits.
Whether it’s a one-off piece or small batches of beautiful yet utilitarian pieces, there’s something for everyone.
7 ceramic artists to look for
1. Mike Wainwright
Mike Wainwright has been making ceramics for 30 years and is sold in hundreds of independent stores across the United States. He blends functionality with art and evokes nature and beauty in every piece. While his business has taken off in a big way, he says that he’s happiest on his own throwing pots – a love that shines through in his ceramics.
2. Natalie J Wood
Minimalism is the watchword for Edinburgh-based Natalie J Wood. She makes slip cast Parian ware, which is a biscuit porcelain popularised in the 19th century, and makes the moulds herself. She calls her work “minimal homeware” and she bases some of her collection on Japanese and Dutch aesthetics.
3. Daisy Toh
Singapore-based Daisy Toh learned her craft steeped in South Asian techniques, and this is clearly seen in her detailed pieces. She uses a pastel marbling colour scheme and uses slip-casting, which is more usually used in mass manufacturing, to combine the traditional with the contemporary.
4. Jane Yang-D’Haene
Jane Yang-D’Haene was born and brought up in Korea, which inspires her ceramics that she makes in her Brooklyn-based studio. The Korean influence can be seen in the minimalist lines, which she blends with contemporary textures, colours and designs.
5. Jade Paton
While ceramic artist Jade Paton is relatively new to the art, her pieces have become very popular very quickly. Blending functionality and artistic beauty, Paton makes pieces that belie her relative lack of experience. She promotes her work on social media, as part of the new wave of ceramic artists unafraid to experiment.
6. Adrien Miller
Adrien Miller’s handcrafted ceramics bring fun to the table with each bowl featuring a human face protruding from the centre. He puts the fun in functional and every piece is a true work of art. Miller also promotes sustainability by using leftover clay to make ceramic busts, with absolutely no waste.
7. Omelet Trees Studios (OTS)
OTS is the brainchild of a husband and wife who launched their studio in Singapore in 2016. Both Fine Art graduates, the couple create their ceramics from their custom designed ‘slow living’ studio space that they formed to provide a respite from busy city living. Each piece comes with unique flourishes from the artist, and the pieces are so popular that there’s often a waiting list.
In conclusion, the world of ceramic art is brimming with creativity, with artists like Mike Wainwright leading the charge in transforming functional objects into extraordinary pieces of art. Wainwright, with his three decades of experience, seamlessly blends utility with the beauty of nature, creating ceramics that are not just tools for daily use but also expressions of artistic vision. His dedication to his craft is evident in every piece he creates, embodying the perfect marriage of form and function.
Alongside Wainwright, artists like Natalie J Wood, Daisy Toh, and others are redefining the boundaries of ceramics, each bringing their unique cultural influences, techniques, and styles to the forefront. These artists are not just making waves in the art world; they are enriching our homes with pieces that carry both beauty and purpose. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist elegance of Wood, the playful creativity of Adrien Miller, or the thoughtful designs of Omelet Trees Studios, there’s a ceramic artist out there crafting something special just for you.
