new mixed media Ceramic Vases Series: A Mix of Ceramics and Wire

handmade brown ceramic vase with thick black wire added to the rim

I’m excited to introduce you to my new series of works: hand-built ceramic vases combined with wire. This project has been a long time coming, an idea I’ve been keeping in mind for months.

I’ve always envisioned how wire, rocks, and wood might interact with clay in unique and unexpected ways, but I kept the concept on hold, feeling a little intimidated by the unknown.

The world of mixed media felt vast and unfamiliar, and I wasn’t sure where to start. But this past summer, something shifted. I decided to push through the hesitation and dive into the unknown—and I’m so glad I did!

The Coiling Process: Making Unique Wire and Ceramic Vases

White porcelain vase with delicate wire added to the top

All the wire vases in this series are created using the coiling technique, one of the oldest and most traditional pottery methods. There’s a certain meditative rhythm to this process, where I hand-build each piece by layering and shaping coils of clay.

It’s a method that demands patience but rewards you with an incredible amount of creative freedom. It’s no wonder ancient cultures embraced it—coiling lets me shape the clay into any form I can imagine.

What I love most about the coiling process is that it allows me to work on a large scale which adds an element of physicality to the work. Each piece feels like a journey, with every coil adding to the structure until the final form emerges.

These pieces pass the line of functional objects, they’re artistic vases that bring a sense of presence and individuality to any space.

Combining Wire with Porcelain and Stoneware Vases

The real excitement in this series came when I started experimenting with how wire could interact with different types of clay.

There’s something almost magical about the contrast between the soft, malleable nature of clay and the rigid, industrial feel of wire. It’s a delicate balance—figuring out how to make two such different materials complement rather than compete with one another.

I found that thin, delicate wire works beautifully on the smooth, white surface of a porcelain vase, creating a subtle, almost ethereal effect. The contrast between the soft, bright porcelain and the fine wire makes the piece feel delicate yet strong.

Large scale porcelain ceramic vase in white with delicate wire design added to the rim

On the other hand, thicker, darker wire pairs perfectly with the rough, unglazed texture of brown stoneware. The earthy tones and rugged surface of the stoneware demanded something equally bold and textured and the wire added just the right amount of strength and edge.

The result is a series of contemporary mixed media vases that stand out from my usual body of work. Each vase has its own distinct character and feel, combining the timeless quality of clay with the modern, unexpected twist of wire.

what’s next?

Large brown stoneware ceramic art vase. Handmade with wire detail added to the top of the vase.

So far, I’ve created three vases in this series of wire vessels, and all of them are available at the GRAYE Gallery in Los Angeles. For prices and availability please contact GRAYE directly by following the link to their website here.

But this is just the beginning. My mind is buzzing with ideas for future pieces. I plan to experiment with both small and large vases, exploring how wire can continue to influence the form and feeling of each piece. I’m curious to see how far I can push the boundaries between wire and clay, finding new ways to make these two materials converse with each other.

I’m also happy to create custom pieces, so if you have a specific idea in mind, feel free to reach out through my contact form.

Previous
Previous

women in art: Anna Shipulina’s Exploration of Womanhood and Natural Forms through ceramic art

Next
Next

From Earth to Art: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Handmade Ceramics