orgeramic vase by ross lovegrove

this sculptural orgeramic vase was borne from a contest from dutch ceramic collective cor unum, challenging designers and architects to create a piece of ceramic jewelry for the home. this limited edition piece is what welsh industrial designer ross lovegrove fashioned for his earthy entry.

find it at generate.

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mara snoeren illustrations: let’s chat!

i have been following the playful artwork of dutch artist mara snoeren on her blog hemelsgroen (which roughly translates into heaven’s green) for quite some time and love them all. every time i see a new colorful piece from her i am grinning from ear to ear - that is how joyful and festive her digital and mixed media creations make me, no matter what the subject. there is a freshness and simplicity in her style that just grabs me. let’s have a chat with mara and find out more!

q: where do you live, and where do you create your art?
a: i live in rotterdam, the netherlands, on a small island in the river maas. i work as a graphic designer in a small company in rotterdam. the pieces on my website i make just for fun in my spare time, though, and i make them at home using any available space.

q: what is your background, and did you study art formally?
a: yes, i studied illustration at the willem de kooning art academy in rotterdam.

q: how are your pieces made? what types of media or techniques do you use?
a: first comes the idea. i always need some sort of assignment to get me going. (this is why i studied design rather than art.) illustration friday is a wonderful initiative that gives out a new topic each week. depending on my interpretation on the subject, i choose my technique. it is usually mixed media as i find this the most natural and playful method for me. i use anything that fits the idea: modelling clay if i need something three dimensional, magazines to cut out for a collage, my camera to take photos, digital brushes or just plain pencils.

q: do you have a favorite piece that you have made? if you do, why is it your favorite?
a: i have several favourites for several different reasons, but not one in particular. some of my favourite stuff:

emergency: i like this because the idea comes out just way i had it in mind.

visitors: this one looks so cheerful!

suit: simple and strong.

q: is your work for sale?
a: ehm, no not really because i make this work just for pleasure. however, i’d be happy to take on assignments. i am always interested in nice projects!

q: what is your inspiration for these lively, positive works? do you have a message you want to send through these pieces?
a: the given topics on illustration friday ARE my inspiration! i let the word sink in and consider all the associations i have with the subject. then i filter out the idea that can be transformed to an illustration. sometimes i stick to my original concept, but it also happens that i change things along the way. i which case it’s the material or technique i work with that inspires me. i don’t have an overall message to send, but if i spread some happiness in the process, that would be perfect.

be sure to check out mara’s blog to see a terrific portfolio of her artwork. maybe one day she will open an online shop and we all will be able to enjoy her art in person everyday!

thank you mara!

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paper cup is really made of clay

i like this clever take on the ubiquitous paper coffee cup we see in my hands on a regular basis. this “paper” cup from rhode island company decor craft is actually made of double walled porcelain, and has a silicone lid. it’s dishwasher safe and earth friendly too.

the only issue here is that decor craft is a wholesaler and does not list the retailers who carry their line. i think anne mcgilvray is the rep in chicago, but any retailer info out there would be appreciated!

via pan-dan

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an artist a day website

if you do not already, i encourage you to look at this interesting website called artist a day. they feature one new emerging artist per day in the hopes of creating more exposure for them and art in general, everyday. the people featured work in a variety of media, and a few words about themselves and their vision are included along with one or two images. what a great way for creative people to create additional internet presence for themselves!

local artist gisela insuaste

boston illustrator ria brodell

portland photographer corey arnold

i love this and i love what they are doing, but i want to see more - much much more and more types of media please! they feature wonderful high quality talent here (including the brilliant jennifer maestre and mark khaisman recently), so whoever here among us is making the beautiful things, please go and submit your work for review!

thanks for the tip dear husband!

via joshspear

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perch! ceramic designs

i love the fresh positive feeling i get when i look at these ceramic pieces by brooklyn artist amy adams for her perch! design company. with smooth surfaces, colors found in nature and minimal decoration, it’s easy to picture having these things in any room in the house.

i especially like the early bird lamp, not just because i’m a birdwatcher but also because of the intelligent up and downlight design. very thoughtful.

you can see more about amy and purchase the collection on her website, and purchase select works at the supermarket.

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naxos ceramic room divider

this may be a very site specific thing, but nevertheless a cool thing. behold the ceramic wall from high end italian tile company naxos! to me it is more of a gigantic sculpture than a wall, but it will help to define your spaces and create vertical interest. choices include square, ring and shape (more like a sharp square) patterns, silver or gold frame structure and a limited but luscious color palette which includes a burnt orange and a dusty plum.

i love the mid-century rounded geo shapes, and the fact that it is handcrafted clay just makes me want to run my hands all over it.

via trendir

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