13/11/2023 Vessel: Secondary Research

1.Discipline and Disorder Vessels

Mint Gallery, 2023

"This collection of ceramic vessels bring together the discipline of wheel thrown vessels with the disorder of a surface disrupted by a colourful flash of glaze. The collapses and tears in clay volumes engage the viewer with the process of ceramic making, exploring the fluidity of clay through an engagement with form and surface."

What I find most fascinating about this project is the unconventional fabrication of the ceramic vessels, where the uncontrolled creation is disrupted with a vibrant splash of colored glaze. There is a unique beauty in surrendering control over the material.

https://www.mintgallery.co.uk/product/discipline-and-disorder-vessels/

2.Broken Vase

Broken Vase, 2008, Ian McIntyre

"This series developed by exploring opposing material qualities in plaster. The rim of each mould is broken and the detail produced is reflected in the Fine Bone China cast."

What captivates me about this work is the incorporation of slip casting as a starting point, followed by the exploration of manipulating the rim to create a broken and textured effect. This approach inspires me to intentionally create pieces where the industrial slip casting technique is intentionally disrupted by handcraft, resulting in vessels that showcase the surrender of control or "imperfect" pieces.

https://ianmcintyre.co.uk/studio/bronto/

3.Layer

Layer, 2016, Benjamin Hubert

"Benjamin Hubert's design studio Layer has created a collection of slip-cast ceramic trays with an integrated charging system that allows tablets and mobile phones to be powered wirelessly.

"…The Charge Tray collection exudes high craft rather than high tech," said Hubert. "With a design language informed by crafted homewares, [the collection] minimises the visual impact of technology in the home and enables easy wireless charging of technology devices.

Each tray encompasses a compression-moulded silicone module on its underside that houses the wireless charging system. Wireless charging – also known as induction charging – powers up mobile devices by using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy."

What is interesting to me about this project is the integration of technology into ceramic objects. It serves a dual purpose as a charging port for mobile devices and as a storage space for other objects. I see potential on integrating multiple functions into one object. For example, creating a holder that not only stores and displays tea biscuits but also includes a teacup holder tray, enhancing the teatime ritual. It is crucial to consider the user and the surrounding ritual or action when designing an object.

https://www.dezeen.com/2016/06/14/layer-benjamin-hubert-ceramic-trays-wirelessly-charge-electronic-devices/

4. Spiral Card-stand

Spiral Card-stand 2021, Yukiko Tomotsune in support with American Express

"Rather than standing the cards upright, laying them down slightly and arranging them in a spiral allows any card to be picked up as easily as the next, and eliminates the need for front-to-back or top-down hierarchies. So arrayed, the card stand resembles a flower in full bloom or even a knot securely tying together the multiple storefronts being represented."

The spiral card stand addresses a social issue by providing equal visibility for all storefront businesses to showcase their cards, eliminating hierarchies. I find the concept of display inspiring, thinking about what communities or users may be benefited from the design and how it was made specifically to benefit small businesses.

https://www.nendo.jp/en/works/spiral-card-stand/

5. Screen Mutation Ceramics

What intrigued me about this project is the way it addresses a relevant social issue through innovative product design. Zahareas' ceramics are designed to recreate the ritual of a family meal, even when physically separated, by utilizing internet communication apps such as Skype or FaceTime. This concept acknowledges the impact of technology on our social interactions and seeks to bridge the gap between physical and virtual experiences.

The use of slip casting to create the ceramics reflects a practical and scalable approach to manufacturing, making the product accessible to a wide audience. Zahareas' process of distorting the table setting according to the perspective of a webcam adds a surrealistic element to the design, reminiscent of Salvador Dali's art. This approach not only highlights our relationship with screens but also prompts us to reconsider the nature of our virtual interactions and their role in shaping our perceptions of reality. I am inspired by the way this project combines social commentary with design offering a thought-provoking and visually engaging way.

https://www.dezeen.com/2015/11/21/screen-mutations-ceramics-louisa-zahareas-viewed-on-skype-dutch-design-week-2015-design-academy-eindhoven/

6. Purpur Tableware by Roxanne Flick

What intrigued me about this project is the creative use of slip-cast porcelain and the unique inspiration behind the design. Flick's Purpur tableware collection not only showcases the versatility of slip-cast porcelain but also incorporates a fascinating concept inspired by nature. The analogy drawn between flamingos filtering their food out of the water and humans filtering tea is both imaginative and thought-provoking.

The collection itself, featuring sugar dispensers, tea cups with balancing oak holders, and a jug-like teapot, reflects a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Each piece is not only visually striking but also serves a practical purpose, enhancing the overall dining experience.

As a product designer, I am drawn to this project because it demonstrates how innovative design techniques and thoughtful inspiration can come together to create captivating and functional pieces.

https://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/26/roxanne-flick-purpur-collection-ceramic-tea-set-tableware-products-design-pforzheim-university-graduate/

7. Korntved Ruud Spoons

What intrigued me about this design is to explore the possibilities of a subtractive practice. The idea of using subtractive practices to carve wood could inform my work in terms of volumes. Ruud's exploration of form through carving speaks to my interest in creating organic volumes for the vessel project. The organic shapes and tactile qualities of his spoons suggest a sense of dynamism and motion, which can inspire new approaches to designing objects for everyday use.

https://www.dezeen.com/2014/08/29/stain-korntved-ruud-hand-carved-wooden-spoons-365-days/

8. Carved Bowls by Kutarq Studios

The Kutarq Studio carved bowls show an approach to creating concave forms using traditional woodworking techniques. The bowls, crafted from solid tilia or beech wood, exhibit a unique design characterized by different-sized concave areas.

The process of creating these concave areas by offsetting the wooden block from its center on the lathe is fascinating. This method demonstrates the studio's ingenuity in manipulating the material to achieve dynamic forms.

As a designer, I am drawn to this project because it highlights the possibilities of combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics. Furthermore, the exploration of form and texture in the carved bowls offers inspiration for my own design practice.

https://www.dezeen.com/2015/03/18/carved-bowls-store-small-objects-in-scooped-out-sections/#:~:text=Spanish%2Dbased%20designers%20Kutarq%20Studio,and%20rings%20can%20be%20stored.

9. Drink’Tray by Martino D’Esposito

I selected this design as secondary research to guide my product design because it presents a practical solution to a common issue within a comparable setting. The "Drink'Tray" boasts finger holes that offer a secure grip, enhancing user ergonomics and stability while carrying items. This feature aligns with my concept of crafting a tray for an enhanced experience, prioritizing user comfort and functionality. Additionally, considering the tray is made from molded plastic, it provides insights into manufacturing techniques like slip casting for terracotta, further enriching my design process. In essence, this design serves as a valuable reference, showcasing how thoughtful ergonomics and user-focused features can elevate a product's usability and appeal.

10. Terracotta Clay Jug Making with Slip Casting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLT4wX_Mvjk

This video offers a demonstration of the terracotta casting process, allowing me to gain insight into its techniques and procedures. Terracotta casting involves creating ceramic objects using molds and clay slip, and this video provides a step-by-step explanation of each stage, from preparing the clay to firing the finished pieces in a wood-burning kiln. By observing the video, I can learn about the nuances of terracotta casting, including mold preparation, slip pouring, drying, and kiln firing. Understanding these techniques will enable me to incorporate terracotta casting into my own practice and create ceramic pieces with authenticity and craftsmanship.

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