Large Bowl

Bowls present a classic challenge to any ceramicist, offering the viewer both an inside and an outside at the same time, as well as an endless transition edge between the two. Exploring this transition and the link between inside and outside has inspired the design of many of the ceramic bowls in Caroline Cole’s Bowl Collection. For example, on a number of Caroline’s larger ceramic bowls, the spiralling pattern on the inside spills over the edge to continue on the outside. On others, a glimpse of the inside pattern is shown on the outside, rather like a flint stone, hinting at the jewel-like patterns and intense colours that explode within.

The patterns that have been meticulously hand painted on these larger bowls often generate spirals, created with simple geometric forms: triangles and squares, to form patterns that manage to be very simple and quite complicated at the same time. On some, the colours are generated by prime number sequences; on others, the aim is to use colour to create a trompe l’oeil effect. The thinness of the casting underpins the delicacy of many of Caroline’s studio ceramics, while the combination of exposed underglaze and matt glaze brings a subtle texture to the surface, adding depth and intrigue to each piece. Each piece is handmade with extraordinary precision and can take months to create, as layers of glaze are applied and fired several times to create depth and intensity of colour.

Each bowl is a unique, handcrafted work of art – a collectable ceramic. However, if you are looking for something made specifically for you, Caroline enjoys designing with her clients, to create individual commissioned pieces.

The Large Bowls are 300mm in diameter.