Organic Pottery is uniquely Biophilic. Biophilic Design, for those who do not know is the act of designing spaces and furnishing them with decor that satisfies our need to connect with nature. It has been shown to improve our health and wellness so it is worthwhile on so many levels. This can be achieved in many ways. Pottery is a perfect form of decor for Biophilic design. Why? well to start with there is an organic pottery for nearly every design style. I love it because it is natural, but also for the wide range of options that can help bring a connection to nature that can be either functional or beautiful or both. For this article I have pulled together a series of curated examples of organic pottery in many styles, shapes, and forms. Some are simple. Others are intricate replicas of forms in nature. We will break down the question and answer “What is Organic Pottery and What Makes it Biophilic?
Materials Of Organic Pottery
The materials used to make pottery are inherently organic. Clay comes from the earth so it is the most natural material that could be used. There are several types of clay including stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, ball clay, and fire clay. Each of these types of clay have their own characteristics that are unique depending upon the product that will be made from them. Stoneware is fairly easy to work with and preferred by artists that create dinnerware and vessels such as vases. Porcelain is more difficult to work with but provides a really smooth and more refined result. Many pieces are made with a combination of the different clay options. For the purposes of this article the most important takeaway is than they are all from the earth, providing a connection to nature before we even consider design.
Forms of Nature: Texture and Shape of Organic Pottery
Dinnerware is one example of organic pottery that can be a minimalist form, a bit rustic too, that exudes warmth yet simplicity. The handmade nature of this pottery adds to the natural feel-completely perfect in it’s imperfect qualities.
While this is a great way to bring some organic form into your space there are also options that mimic the shapes of our planet. Natural flora and fauna, sea creatures and coral, are just a few examples.
Here are two great examples of organic forms that have been replicated in pottery. Studies in Biophilic Design have shown that adding decor to our environment that represents real natural forms can be nearly as beneficial if not just as beneficial to our health as the real thing.
Robin Baron Design has a curated collection as well has her own signature collection of products. Among them are these wonderful organic ceramic design. This one called “Nature Study Mushroom Vase” is a perfect example of next level organic design in pottery.
Images of Nature in Organic Pottery
This one has shell and natural stone impressions embedded into the pottery that reflect things found near the sea. The texture, in this case is one additional element that enhances the biophilic nature of the decor. The images are motifs too so there is a realistic representation of things found in that environment that can have a real impact on our ability to find stress relief just by looking at them. How wonderful is that?!?
…and finally an example for those that prefer a refined style in their dinnerware here is an example of an embossed lily of the valley in a simple french style white dinner plate.
Color in Organic Pottery
Just a note before closing to draw attention to the fantastic use of color in organic pottery. This is noteworthy because it is unique and can play an important role in adding to the organic nature of pottery. Glazes can be manipulated to exude a rustic texture similar to that found in nature. When we go to the beach we rarely find a monochromatic color palette. It is a mix of neutrals and some pastels that changes as the sun moves across the sky.
Shadows that play between the light and the cover of the forest are subtle and varied.
Ceramic glazes in the hands of a gifted artist can give us those nuances.
There are so many wonderful artisan pottery shops and styles. This article just touches the surface. If you find that you would like to see more you can follow any of the links for much more than is shown here. I took what I felt would show ,by example, the characteristics that make it organic and biophilic but hope that you will explore to find more
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