As a project for the Factory, I designed one of the pieces that will be included in the overall collection of the artisan ceramics brand «Caravan.»
Concept
A brand of artisanal ceramics inspired by the caravan motif—a symbol of journey, movement, and cultural exchange. The collection features functional pieces whose forms are based on the imagery of animals that traveled in caravans or encountered travelers along the route. Each object becomes a distinct character, and together, they form a cohesive world—the «caravan.»
The first object in the collection is a sugar bowl, which merges a utilitarian function with the image of a fantastical character. The animal on the lid represents one of the inhabitants of a caravan world encountered by travelers traversing the desert.The bird figure adorns the object and simultaneously serves as the lid handle, becoming an integral part of the piece itself. The simplified plasticity and expressive silhouette create a fairy-tale aesthetic.The ornamental elements of the piece will draw inspiration from references in the traditional ceramics of Eastern countries. Thus, form, function, and decoration converge into the image of a single hero, who will later become part of the overall «caravan» collection.
Here I will add sketches
Material and Technique
The fabrication utilizes red clay. Its warm, natural hue echoes the visual imagery of the desert and resonates with the traditional ceramics of Eastern countries.After shaping, the surface will be decorated with underglaze paints. The ornamentation will feature motifs reinterpreted from traditional Eastern ceramics—signature patterns, rhythms, and decorative elements.
Experiment
Clay form modeling
At this stage, I explored and tested the functionality, the character’s plasticity, and the decorative qualities within a single object. The experiment involved working with the material’s capabilities, the form of the container and its lid, and the animal’s proportions.
The main goal was to ensure that the object remained practical to use while simultaneously being perceived as an independent character belonging to a future caravan.
a blessed object
The piece successfully completed firing. Next, it will be painted with glaze pigments, and then the item will be coated with a clear glaze and fired again.