Twist

Caroline Cole’s fascination with ovals and twisting forms is explored in the geometry of this Twist Collection of slip cast, ceramic vases. The shape of these intriguing, handcrafted, ceramic vases is generated by three identically sized ovals placed at 90 degrees to each other. This creates a volatile shape that is angular and zigzagged, changing from a zig to a zag as the pot is seen from different angles, while from another angle, it looks completely straight-sided.

The plug for the plaster mould was 3D printed to ensure the accuracy of the twisting shape, and the mould itself has been designed to be used both ways up, to create pots where the apex of the zigzag is either at their knees or shoulders. As a result, vases made from the inverted moulds work beautifully in pairs, creating negative spaces between the pots, that emphasise their angularity. Developing the twisting theme further, Caroline has built a number of vases that combine more than one casting, to create double twist vases: taller, more intricate and more twisted forms, with an emphasis on both the twist and the angularity of each pot. The meticulously hand painted patterns that Caroline has created on these ceramic vases play with the inherent movement in the shape, using the twist of the pot itself as the foundation for spiralling patterns, some of which are simple to read and others which are hidden in more complex and intricate tessellations.

As with many of Caroline’s studio ceramics, prime numbers often drive the patterns and colours on these vases. The segmentation of the taller, double twist vases has enabled her to generate gradations in the complexity of the spiralling patterns within individual pieces. 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 Twist Vases stand 200mm tall.