Natalie Legg
Artist Natalie Legg knows a thing or two (thousand) about mugs. “I used to thrift obsessively back when I lived in Chicago, and I would always buy vintage mugs or just odd unique mugs,” she recounts. “So I guess you could say I have quite a collection. Not sure exactly what my fascination is with them but even after creating probably over 2,000 of them, I could still come up with a different version.”
A quick glance at Natalie’s line, Void Form Ceramics, proves it. Inspired by everything from “nature to mid-century design to plain, child-like exploration,” Natalie’s work showcases a clean-lined, minimalist yet natural aesthetic.
“I want the clay body itself to be seen on all my work, so you are reminded that it did come from the earth,” explains Natalie. “And the glazes I typically use are all neutral or earth toned so they can blend into any environment and are reminiscent of a landscape.”
Made in her home studio, her work—largely taking the form of funky but highly functional mugs—go on to be a part of everyday life for customers.
“That is my intention for making mugs,” she explains. “I want it to be your go-to mug everyday. I want it to be a part of someone's daily routine. Something they want to have out on their desk, coffee table or counter almost as a statement piece or a piece of art, not to be hidden away in a cabinet.”
See more of Natalie’s work at VoidFormCeramics.com.
Adriann Leigh
Adriann Leigh originally went back to school with the intention to study interior design. Then, she found ceramic arts. “Ceramics acted as a physical outlet away from computer design where I could work with my hands,” she says. “I ended up enjoying this more than interior design and shifted my focus to ceramic arts and sculpture.”
Working with her hands has become a key theme in her work, which primarily utilizes the hand-building method: “I want my work to have the appearance of something made by human hands with small variations that show the mark of the artist,” she explains. “… Hand building makes for a slower production process, giving me time to get intimately connected to each piece and have greater control over creating more organic shapes. I often use coil-building techniques to make larger and more substantial forms which allows each piece to be slightly different and unique.”
Adriann’s work also frequently incorporates other natural elements, like horsehair or leather, and she says she aspires to incorporate metal and wood into her sculptural work in the future.
“I’m always looking to expand my skills in any medium and have dabbled in wood, metal smithing, fiber and charcoal,” she explains. “I never want to restrict myself to one medium or be constrained by materials, which is why I love mixed media and combining materials together in an interesting way.”
See more of and shop Adriann’s work at AdriannLeigh.com
Kim Hau
“Wedge, weigh, make, trim, attach, refine, dry, bisque fire, wax, glaze, glaze fire, sand, clean, write notes, pack and finally ship. Phew! Done—then repeat.” That’s artist Kim Hau’s process, or the short form of it at least. But what her systematic process belies is Kim’s unique perspective—and products.
Take a glance at Kim’s Etsy shop (KimHauCeramics), and you’ll see one distinct design steals the show—a soap dish that’s both attractive and innovative, designed to drain right back into the sink.
“Lately the soap/sponge dish has been my bread-and-butter,” Kim explains. “It blew up a while back when someone from GQ ordered a dish and loved it so much that they invited me to be included in an article; the same happened with Buzzfeed.”
Kim found ceramics while pursuing a degree in graphic design, and has honed her skills for nearly two decades in studios everywhere from Denver to Southern California to Japan. Now, inspiration can come from anywhere: “It could be as simple as laying in bed staring at my wall, collecting rocks, working in the studio or looking at shadows.” Her work also includes other forms, like mugs, bowls, teapots… “pretty much anything functional for your home,” she says. “I just love making anything that people can use in their daily lives.
“I see homes as personal art galleries,” she continues, “so I’m honored and super grateful when someone chooses to bring my work into their space.”
Learn more at KimHauCeramics.etsy.com.