Edmund de Waal

Edmund de Waal is a British ceramics artist who studied his craft in England and Japan.

Edmund de Waal
Edmund de Waal

Edmund de Waal is a British ceramics artist who studied his craft in England and Japan.  His recent work explores ideas about collections and how objects are grouped together.  de Waal has had major installations in museums around the world, from London to New York.  His pieces have a minimalist quality, yet often look natural.  He often combines his pottery with materials such as wood or acrylic to create stunning compositions.  His large scale installations are particularly memorable.

Breathturn I
Breathturn I
Breathturn IV, detail
Breathturn IV, detail
As Soon As Known
As Soon As Known

One of the interesting things about de Waal’s art is how each piece interacts with its display.  How it is displayed is part of the art itself.  I found de Waal’s work through a client and immediately fell in love with the simplicity and scale of it.  It’s so nice when a client is open about their art interests and shares exciting things.  I always go a step further to see what they’re looking at and why they like it.  In de Waal’s work, I see peace and serenity.

If Not Winter
If Not Winter
Between Two Breaths
Between Two Breaths
All and More
All and More
Fifteen Stones
Fifteen Stones

Phaidon has published a monograph on Edmund de Waal, a tribute to his artistry with ceramics as well as his acclaim as a writer.  This book includes incredible photography detailing de Waal’s daily life in his studio and his most famous installations.  With contributions from writers such as AS Byatt and architect Deborah Saunt, it’s a work of art itself and a great addition to the library of any art lover.

Edmund de Waal monograph from Phaidon
Edmund de Waal monograph from Phaidon

You can see a full online gallery of Edmund de Waal’s work on his website.

 

Clay Art Center, Port Chester

I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility.

clay art center 5I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility.  The center quickly made a big impression for me.  This isn’t your run of the mill ceramics place where visitors choose a pre-made piece to paint and rarely get their hands dirty.  This is a working studio for clay artists that actively engages the surrounding community throughout a variety of great programs.

Founded in 1957 by Katharine Choy and Henry Okamoto, the Clay Art Center has grown and evolved over the decades to include a gallery, shop, classes, and workshops for all ages.  Now run by Director Reena Kashyap and Associate Director Ruth Berelson, the Center organizes community art projects to involve local residents in beautifying the area and offers therapeutic clay programs to local health organizations.  The Center also hosts after school and summer camp sessions. With visiting artists from around the country, outreach programs, and a passion for promoting ceramic arts, the Clay Art Center is a true community resource.

Participants in the annual Empty Bowls fundraising event.
Participants in the annual Empty Bowls fundraising event.
A piece from the current exhibition:  TeaTime.
A piece from the current exhibition: TeaTime.

I really enjoyed seeing how much fun my daughter had creating something unique out of clay.  There are classes or workshops for everyone at the Center, whether you prefer to learn on your own or make it a family event.  I love the idea of getting together with a group of girlfriends for a party at the center, complete with your own wine and snacks.

My daughter was so proud of her piece:  a muddy pig wearing a Santa hat!
My daughter was so proud of her piece: a muddy pig wearing a Santa hat!
A beautiful clay piece and a class in progress.
A beautiful clay piece and a class in progress.

To learn more about the center or see their schedule of classes, events, and exhibitions, visit their website.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Most mages in this post are from the Clay Art Center website.

Lauren Gelgor Kaplan Ceramics

I often visit Bungalow in Westport, CT, as a source for my clients, and it was during one of these shopping trips that I stumbled across some really stunning pottery.

There’s a great shop in Wesport, CT called Bungalow that offers unique furniture, antiques, home accessories, and jewelry.  I often visit Bungalow as a source for my clients and it was during one of these shopping trips that I stumbled across some really stunning pottery.  The artist behind these incredible pieces is Lauren Gelgor Kaplan.

Lauren Kaplan was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Her early creativity was heavily influenced by her grandfather’s paintings and sculptures.  She began creating her own ceramics and pottery more than 25 years ago, inspired by the surrounding African bush and native wildlife like the zebra.  Lauren spent a few years living in Europe and now lives in the United States, but her life in Africa still inspires her work.

I am just mad for this pottery!  I’ve purchased many pieces of Lauren’s beautiful art.  Each unique piece has so much texture and individuality.  They can be grouped or stand on their own as home accessories.

I’m not alone in my admiration of Lauren Kaplan’s work.  Her work has appeared in atHome Magazine, New England Home, and Westport Magazine.  She’s also recently been featured with an incredible window display at Bergdorf Goodman!