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Poetic Pottery: minimalist earthenware vessels by British artists

Today we take a brief look at three of our current favorite modern British ceramicists. In our opinion, the most powerful characteristic of good pottery is original form. An earthenware piece should play with proportion while remaining visually balanced and, unlike a conventional sculpture, the objects must ultimately maintain functionality.


First up is Georgie Gardiner (@georgieceramics). While some of her available work depends on an almost midcentury modern vine pattern, it's her spiraled designs that have our hearts. Slightly off-kilter curves wrap around bellied vessels that are framed by uncolored collars around the neck and a dramatically tapered base. Perfectly balanced, these rotund but elegant forms are the perfect addition to any sophisticated space.





Next we turn to Sophie Cook (@sophie_cook_porcelain). Working with variations of droplet forms, Cook's vessels exude both fluidity and structure as the teardrop shape captures movement while the elongated necks offer balanced rigidity. Individually, they are boldly unusual but together the individualism is tamed to form a cohesive minimalist installation.




Finally, we look to Ben Sutton (@pottedben) Sutton aims to create pieces that are "visually bold yet elegant and tactile" and he's certainly accomplished this. His minimalist vases boast simple forms and either luminous gloss or striking matte finishes. We love his recent works with broad but restrained mouths that gradually taper inward forming cascading funnels as well as his take on a traditional vase form that is made modern with a slightly elongated body and subtly tapered rim.



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