The Art of Pottery: Buying
Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Singapore’s Clay Festival, an immersive celebration of pottery and ceramic art that brought together the potters and enthusiasts of Singapore. It was a reminder of how pottery can be both an aesthetic, functional, and even social element in our lives. It has the power to connect us to the artists and hands-on tradition of craftsmanship while also enhancing modern interiors. As we approach the holiday season, this is the perfect moment to think ahead on ideas that would elevate our special gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or planning a festive celebration, pottery can serve as a wonderful way to to infuse beauty, warmth, and personal touch into your decor.
Here are some things to think about when buying your first decorative ceramics:
Understand the Types of Pottery - Ceramics come in various types, each with its own charm. Stoneware is durable and earthy, while porcelain offers a refined, smooth finish. Earthenware has a rustic feel, and raku pottery features unique, colourful patterns. Ask the sellers what they make and select based on the vibe you want for your space.
Think About Functionality - Pottery isn’t just decorative, it’s practical too. You can get a beautiful ceramic bowl for displaying your fruit, elegant sake or tea cups for serving drinks, or unique vases to place personalised floral arrangements. On the more functionally innovative side, there was a noodle bowl at the Clay Festival with built in holes to place chopsticks - this would definitely become a conversation starter
Choose Statement Pieces - Like the noodle bowl, a statement piece can be as simple as an often used item at home. Anything that sparks a curiosity or conversation would be considered a statement piece for your home. These have the ability to immediately bring personality and uniqueness into your home.
Consider Colours and Themes - Think about the colours of your home. Select pottery that compliment your home furniture. One simple tip is to decide where you would place the pottery when you use it. Select a piece that has a similar tone in the same vicinity to create a union within your space. For example, a dark vase like our last month’s feature, if your walls are also dark.
Support Local Artists- Buying handmade pottery from local artisans gives you a unique, personal piece and supports craftsmanship in your community. The artists may offer custom or limited-edition designs, making your purchase even more special! You can expect to spend anywhere between $100-1000 for your first special piece.
By thoughtfully incorporating pottery into your home, you’ll bring both beauty and practicality to your space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday celebrations and beyond.