The Exotic Teapot

Tomasz Bobrzynski claims he is a child of digital age.  It is apparent after viewing his amazing photographs.  However, Tomasz does not just have technical skills he has the artistic ability to select subjects that are awe inspiring without manipulation.  Then using his proficiency and photographic experimentation he magnifies or suspends the action associated with the matter.  This is what the makes the visual image so fascinating.       

This contemporary white teapot was designed by Joaquim Bastos, an Industrial Design student at Escola Superior de Artes e Design in Caldas da Rainha (Portugal).   Its circular, sleek shape in basic white constitutes an unobtrusive but modern elegance.  The shiny steel stand magnifies the teapot’s globular form.   Serving white tea, pouring into white teacups or bowls would certainly harmonize and enhance the décor this teapot was designed for.

If you ask Melanie Sharpham how to make a teacup she will tell you that: you must: love to get your hands messy; love that clay is unpredictable; love that you can transform dirt into something tangible, and; love to get so focused that nothing else matters.  For Melanie, she also loves the native Western Australian flower called gums.  The pastel colours and designs of the flowers are what she emulates in her teacups and mugs.  Serving a flower herbal tea would be a fabulous compliment for these cups.

Stefanie Kaspar and Christof Kaspar are the designers of this proposed functional 3-in-1 teacup.  As shown below, the red spoon is actually part of the saucer.  It sleekly appears as the spout of a teapot.  But actually the white base is a bone china teacup.  The purpose of the spoon cup is to slide a used teabag out of the cup into the bottom of the spoon saucer to hide its unsightly appearance. 

The art of paper folding, origami is not as easy as it looks.  Just as throwing a teapot on a potter’s wheel, it takes much practice and patience.  The difference is the wheel is round like a teapot, cup or bowl and rotates in a circular motion to aid in the creation whereas the paper is folded on a flat surface to create a 3-dimensional object.  Taking on such a challenge likely requires a true fan of tea and is possibly not even chosen by the origami artist unless a passionate drinker.

These little pigs are born small enough to fit in a teacup.  The miniature swine is gaining acceptance as a replacement to the teacup pet poodle.  Additionally, it is claimed the tiny ones, growing to the adult size of a Cocker Spaniel, are smarter than a dog.  Apparently they can learn and perform tricks.  I wonder if they can learn how to brew a cup of tea?      

If you like fuzzy or feathered creatures with a whimsical overtone and brilliant, glossy colours then you are sure to appreciate Lynda Corneille’s teapots, cups and sets.  From her studio in British Columbia, Canada, Lynda has been creating award winning, world-wide collectible ceramic pieces for 39 years.  This pot is from her series entitled “Sealed with a Kiss.”  The red-lipped kiss is on the bottom of each piece.  A great gift idea for cat and dog lovers!

I am sure that we all have at one time or another seen something floating in our teacup that we didn’t think should be there.  But these ceramic cups have little creatures intentionally placed in the interior at the base.  When the warm tea is consumed, brilliantly hand painted butterflies, ducks, turtles, dog faces, bees, cats and hippos slowly become visible to delight tea drinkers as they reach the bottom of the cup. 

Sabine Bruner, featured in a previous blog, has a dear friend that also is a ceramic artist.  Even though now living in different continents, the two continue to appreciate each other’s tea ware.  Linda’s pieces are simple but elegant.  She uses glazes that are satiny smooth.  She interchanges the exterior and interior of the vessels with subtle tones.  Notice the unique shape of the teapot spout and minor dimples in the cups...what a nice touch.

This “Cat and Mouse” teapot is based on Japanese pop culture referred to as ‘kawaii,’ meaning cute or adorable.  When making ceramic pieces ‘cutesy’ is Sabine Brunner’s goal.  Using bright colors and innocent subjects for embellishment she hopes her hand built teapots and jewelry bring a smile to every viewer’s face.  Sabine’s whimsical outlook allows her to recognize the charm associated with a sleeping cat or tail wagging dog, both pets that she regularly emulates on bowls, cups and pots.   

Like Marian Baker most artists love what they do.  This is one reason she makes teapots, cups and sets.  The other reason: to enrich the lives of others with functional art.  Marian sees them as "a bridge between art and daily life." Her glazes of earth tones with Japanese influenced form are utterly soothing.  There are numerous pieces to admire on Marian’s website, none for purchase. 

     Being a family man with young children this artist has answered many “What if” questions.  He readily admits he has learned from these youthful, thought provoking ponders.  He applies this theory when practicing pottery.  Such questions he tries to answer are: What if I roll this teacup in ashes before firing or what if I make this saucer bigger?  He shares his excitement of experimenting with pottery via his Annual Clay and Canvas Camp for kids.  This ash tea cup and saucer is just one example of his what ifs.

Joy Imai has been a potter for 35 years.  After many years of raku firing pieces, she has returned to her original study of soda firing. This now makes the outcome of her teapots and mugs a surprise even to her.

I spray a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water into a hot kiln, and the high heat causes the solution to break down into sodium vapor and carbon dioxide.  The sodium vapor combines with elements in the clay and forms an “orange peel” textured glaze on the surface.  The vapors follow the flame circulation in the kiln and “flashing” occurs on the pots.  I like the unique way the firing process is recorded on each pot.

Haiku poetry originated in Japan in the 17^th century.  The goal of Haiku is to describe an object, person, event or feeling.  Then, reveal how it impacts the poet – similar to an ‘aha’ moment.  What makes this so challenging is it has to be accomplished in three lines and 17 syllables:  the first and third lines are to have 5 syllables each and the second, 7 syllables.  Artist Alexis Siemons, from teaspoons and petals, writes haiku poetry about tea.  She then paints the poems on white porcelain cups.

Leaves like paintbrushes

Are coloring the water

Steep it, watch and breathe.

When visiting Etruscan Mardi Wood found “a pure kind of pleasure” walking with the native cattle.  For Wood, their unity puts the world in order, leaving her with a revived spirit.  Being a painter first and ceramic artist second, she sketched multiple scenes of vacche in her presence.  After returning to her studio she continues to find pleasure with these animals by drawing their images on to her thin, porcelain thrown teapots and cups.

I like most tea drinkers enjoy having unique and exotic teaware for entertaining and home decor.  However, I must admit I have never considered wearing teacups as fashion accessories.  But I am not Lady Gaga who has been seen walking the streets with a teacup, saucer and spoon.  Even though I find her chosen accessory a lovely one, I would have gone with a red or black geometrically patterned teacup.   I suppose the combinations are endless!