Working from the studio and showroom in Arnhem that she founded in 2008, Dutch ceramicist Lenneke Wispelwey “feels her work should make people smile”. She’s definitely succeeded with us here at colourful beautiful things; her delicately coloured porcelain tableware and vases are made in just the kind of fresh summery colours we’re so in need of to cheer us up right now on yet another grey, chilly June day. These subtle, pastel shades are saved from being too twee or sugary by angular, faceted decoration – the kind of 3D patterning you’re more likely to associate with traditional cut-glass lead crystal than contemporary ceramics.
Despite the intricate geometric patterns on many of her pieces, they’re actually the result of Lenneke’s low-tech methods of designing and working; her website explains:
“Lenneke finds a basic, simple approach to techniques and materials very important to communicate her vision and her way of working. She prefers creating a family of products because as an only child she had always a desire for a bigger family.”
Using several different shades of one colour is one of her signature styles, as you can see with the “Stars & Stripes” and “Squares” cups pictured above and Lenneke also experiments with the contrasting textures of biscuit and glazed porcelain.
Her work often has a decorated base or a glazed golden interior, the kind of concealed, secret details that are so curiously satisfying even though not immediately visible; her work reveals itself in stages, rewarding a closer and more leisurely examination with hidden delights.
Pictured left: the Daisy Vase with intricately patterned underside. Below: the hidden “Star” on the bottom of the “Stars and Stripes” cup.
Above: “First Prize” vase, also available in blue
Below: “Squares” cups
To read more about Lenneke’s work and to find a list of European stockists, visit lennekewispelwey.nl. Sadly, there don’t seem to be any in the UK at present – hopefully this will change soon and cheer us up even more!
Image credits:
Top (gorgeously styled) images from webshop buitendelijntjesshop.com via Pinterest,
Bottom 3 pictures: lennekewispelwey.com
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