The heavier the world feels, the lighter this blog gets. Springs salads, Hyacinths in handmade vases, flamingo pink guest loos. My best writing comes when I have room to think, when I have to room to reflect. And in order to do that, I need to release air from the balloon, so to speak. The key for me is that I keep writing, even if what I have to say is as frothy as a cappuccino. Because when the urge does come for me to express something weightier, I’m more likely to have the words.
I’m always inspired by artists who stretch the boundaries of traditional ceramics. Willem van Hooff‘s playful vessels are flat versions of traditional three dimensional shapes. They’re about 10 cm thick and made from joining two thick slabs of clay together. “Willem prioritizes experimentation, freedom and fun in his approach: often shaping works by hand and deliberately distorting their proportions, adding a personal touch that he finds lacking in the era of mass-production and consumerism.” His Core series is inspired by prehistoric African building techniques. Each vessel is functional –– as was always the case with traditional African pottery –– with a secret chamber in which to carry water. I find the work fabulously original, and that it’s functional, adds to its appeal.
What I like about this interior are all its many contrasts, like the laissez–faire linens and heavy mahogany frames. I love the traditionally carved, smooth headboard against the roughness of an unfinished brick wall. Even the anemones look lazy and wild on that heavy slab of stone. The mother of pearl chandelier, light and iridescent, hangs over a dark honey floor. I like interior design that captures the essence of what it is to be human; light and dark, playful and serious, tidy and imperfect.
Embroidery artist, Yumiko Higuchi’s charming designs.
Robynn Storgaard’s warm and whimsical ceramics.
Roughly carved wooden sculptures (using a nata, a Japanese hatchet) by Hirosuke Yabe.
Cotton basics from Elizabeth Suzann.
Olivia Parker‘s shell beans.
Fenella Elms’ exquisite porcelain sculpture.
Simple and beautiful earthenware from Nobue Ibaraki.
When flowers look like gramophones.
Simone Bodmer-Turner’s bold forms.
I’m a sucker for anything that conjures summer, which is why Stevie Michael’s ocean inspired ceramics are high on my wish list. Her vases are adorned with swirls and waves, while sea creatures crawl across her simple white plates. The multicoloured ‘millefiori’ details on her glassware remind me of schools of fish swimming through the sea. The whole collection has me dreaming of al fresco suppers on the water. Pass me the Campari, won’t you.
It’s a lovely palette this, soft and soothing, with colours drawn from the earth. The walls remind me of a rich Italian ice cream, and I love the dusty rose of the linens. There’s something to be said of a decor that mixes natural wood tones, with stone and cream and subtle greens. It’s grounding.
I stumbled upon Sophie Wilson’s ceramics today, handmade at home, and fired in a kiln in her laundry room. With so many makers painting, pinching, rolling and weaving at their kitchen tables these days, I’m always delighted to see what’s being made. Wilson’s work is really charming. It has a vintage feel, and could just as well have graced the tables of a 19th century mercato delle pulci. Inspired by “Matisse and the quickness in the way he painted”, Wilson’s surface decoration is light and whimsical. Have a scroll through her Instagram page; you’ll see what I mean.
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