MENHIR
The name of Caroline Cole’s Menhir Collection is inspired by the ubiquitous stone carried by Obelix, in the Astérix le Gaulois comic books, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. The unique shape of these elegant, slip-cast ceramic vases is created by three tapered ovals, placed one above the other: first a small oval, then a large oval and finally a medium sized oval. The result is a graceful, gently undulating form that appears both strong and fragile at the same time.
The plug for the plaster mould was 3D printed to ensure the symmetry of the three-dimensional curves that play across the surface of these studio ceramics. The mould was designed to be used both ways up, to create pots that alternately sit solidly on the ground or soar upwards to the sky. The ovals create two, generous, almost flat elevations linked by tapering, thin droplet elevations, offering a canvas on which Caroline Cole has meticulously hand painted patterns, many of which explore trompe l’oeil effects, using her familiar palette of geometric shapes and an interplay of textures, that create three-dimensional patterns. Caroline’s treatment of the thin elevations, where the pattern seamlessly links one side with the other, is reminiscent of her approach to the transition edges on the bowls in her Bowl Collection
As with many of Caroline’s studio ceramics, mathematical sequences and geometry drive the patterns and colours in this collection. The combination of exposed underglaze and matt glaze add further subtlety and texture to the surface. 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 vase 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 Menhirs stand 400mm tall and are 200x60mm in plan.
