Artisans to Watch – A Word from Our Creative Director …

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Goods

Probably because I was around during the 60s and early 70s when I macraméd away hours of my life … I love pottery and especially mugs … I am most attracted to simple shapes and glazes. Clean and modern is so lovely done with a primitive material like clay.

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LOW CUPS A ten ounce cup for coffee, cocoa, latte. $38 on eshelmanpottery.com

I came across these fantastic mugs by Illinois potter Paul Eshelman, founder of Eshelman Pottery. In his work, I see a strong West Coast esthetic. I love the glaze and clay combination. The short cozy looking shape of the pictured mugs makes me want to touch and wrap my hands around them. They add a tactile experience which is what I love about drinking from handmade pottery.

Eshelman received his BA in Art from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, where he was strongly influenced by the interest in Asian art and craft.  “I was especially interested in the pottery of Japan … the Japanese love of material and respect for careful craftsmanship has informed my clay work since,” says Eshelman. Anyone would love to receive this perfect gift for any occasion, but with Christmas coming, you can bet these are on my list. They can be purchased here in Vancouver at Kosai Modern or buy them directly from Eshelman Pottery. 

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Large Mug All Lines $39.00 Size: 3.25″ dia, 12 oz Designed in 2003 for the avid coffee/tea drinker.

I also love anything and everything by San Francisco based Heath Ceramics. Founded in 1948  by Edith Heath, this once small company has grown with demand for it’s quality post-war product. Now employing over 60 craftspeople, original pieces designed by Edith now sit in world class museums such as the MoMA. Available through our friends at Provide in Vancouver –  this large mug is very appealing in its shape and size and it comes in two colours as well as solids.

 

 

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Wheel thrown contemporary pottery mug from Golem’s new collection of tableware and home decor. $25 on Etsy.

Local Vancouver potter Ann Maliatski designed this textural mug that is warm and inviting; the perfect addition to your morning routine. Maliatski’s company Golem Designs have wonderful pieces on Etsy with the added bonus of customized items to fit your every need. If you live in Vancouver, Golem Designs will be one of the exhibitors in the upcoming East Van Cultural Crawl November 2014. If you live in Vancouver, make sure to pen it in because the East Van Cultural Crawl is not to be missed if you want to discover new, talented artisans or see what your favourites have been up to. Screen Shot 2014-09-24 at 8.18.57 PM

Dwaina

Author: Dwaina

I am devoted to making people love living in their homes. I have done that with absolute joy for most of my life and as a career for the past 20 years or so... I am a homebody – I do not actively seek adventure but I have had adventures. I believe home is the most sacred and important place in the world. I say I grew up on a farm – but I doubt technically it would qualify as a farm. Five acres – one milk cow – one calf - we ate them when they grew up, lots of chickens and a few pigs – we ate them too… I was that kid who dragged rugs and furniture out to the orchard and set up outdoor rooms. It mixed my two favourite things – outside and comfortable furniture. My friends and I would sleep outside in my “rooms”. It was magical because my ceiling was full of stars. I have lived in small houses, big houses, basement suites, cottages, condos and apartments. I have built and I have renovated houses. For a short time in my young life I was without a home – this changed me. I have lived with pets, wanted and unwanted – rodents are unwanted… I have lived in a house richly full with the raising of my four children. I have had the tremendous joy of my children carrying my grandchildren into my home. I have had my home become an “empty nest” and my life shrunken and shattered with the loss of my beloved husband. Home and my people there have always been my comfort. It does not matter where home is, it only matters that you are in it and that you find comfort there and that is why I do what I do.
Filed under: Goods
Dwaina

About the Author: Dwaina

I am devoted to making people love living in their homes. I have done that with absolute joy for most of my life and as a career for the past 20 years or so... I am a homebody – I do not actively seek adventure but I have had adventures. I believe home is the most sacred and important place in the world. I say I grew up on a farm – but I doubt technically it would qualify as a farm. Five acres – one milk cow – one calf - we ate them when they grew up, lots of chickens and a few pigs – we ate them too… I was that kid who dragged rugs and furniture out to the orchard and set up outdoor rooms. It mixed my two favourite things – outside and comfortable furniture. My friends and I would sleep outside in my “rooms”. It was magical because my ceiling was full of stars. I have lived in small houses, big houses, basement suites, cottages, condos and apartments. I have built and I have renovated houses. For a short time in my young life I was without a home – this changed me. I have lived with pets, wanted and unwanted – rodents are unwanted… I have lived in a house richly full with the raising of my four children. I have had the tremendous joy of my children carrying my grandchildren into my home. I have had my home become an “empty nest” and my life shrunken and shattered with the loss of my beloved husband. Home and my people there have always been my comfort. It does not matter where home is, it only matters that you are in it and that you find comfort there and that is why I do what I do.