Striking hand crafted ceramics by L.A based Pawena Studio
There is a real sense of a rise in uniquely talented, independent makers, turning their attention to exploring the contemporary limits and possibilities of traditional crafts. Pawena Studio is one such studio.
Pawnena herself grew up in Thailand, where as a child the natural world was her playground. Started studied Industrial Design at KMITL in Bangkok, where she majored in Ceramics, before moving to the United States, continuing her studies in Graphic Design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena (CA). After working in the design industry for some 15 years, Pawena recently returned to the craft she first fell in love with, ceramic design, establishing Pawena Studio in 2015.
Founded by Pawena Thimaporn in 2015, the Los Angeles based studio produces a range of hand-painted, textured ceramics that combine striking geometric patterns, bold colour gestures, line and mark making.
Founded by Pawena Thimaporn in 2015, the Los Angeles based studio produces a range of hand-painted, textured ceramics that combine striking geometric patterns, bold colour gestures, line and mark making.
Every item lovingly created by Pawena has a personality of its own. No one item is the same as another, lovingly marked and painted by hand. The mug I hold in my hands, makes me think of the Japanese aesthetic “wabi sabi” (finding perfection in imperfection); the rim isn’t perfectly circular and there are brushstrokes ever so slightly visible. Yet these subtle details are not detractions! FAR from it! They are subtle celebrations, reminders that the craft behind this object is a personal, skilled and considered one.
The look and feel of these functional art objects provide a real sense of balanced simplicity with careful and thoughtful design, both in its form and shape and surface. The weight and texture of these object somehow reference geology and the earth; with an exterior reminiscent of the pebbles I recall skimming at the beach as a child, yet its interior shines with a smooth, almost onyx black glaze reflecting the light.
Her designs invite you to pause, and take a moment to reflect; inspiring the owner to not simply use an object for its function, but to appreciate what else it can afford you.
Bells planters, mugs, bowls and dishes. Tumblers, platters and pitchers! The items being created by Pawena truly celebrate the artistry of making something by hand, from beginning to end. Her designs invite you to pause, and take a moment to reflect. Inspiring the owner to not simply use an object for its function. But to appreciate what else it can afford you. A moment to step back from your laptop, or put down a pen. It’s a tactile diversion, a visual indulgence.