Forest of Ceramics is a collection of vessels made from semi-porcelain casting slip and decorated by hand. Because Daisy uses locally-sourced timber to create the grain pattern in the clay, each piece is unique. When the collection is arranged in a group, the reason for its title becomes clear, especially as each is finished with a glaze to highlight the wood grain effect.
“This ceramic collection is the result of a highly developed process which involves turning the wood to reveal the grain and casting from the trees distinctive patterns,” says Daisy.
Inspired by nature and the idea of bringing the outside in, over the past year graduate designer Daisy Kelly has been developing her range of ceramics to reflect her love of the great outdoors, and attempting to resolve how that sits within an urban environment.
“My work explores the concept of bringing the exterior into the interior using ceramics,” Daisy tells Design Geek. “I love home interiors and I have already been involved in creating spaces for clients. This collection of homeware pieces was made purposely for my degree show and embodies my ideas about taking inspiration from the textures and patterns of nature, more specifically wood grain.”
A range of muted monochrome colours, including white, dove grey and slate, let the texture take centre-stage. The vessels are available and in a range of sizes from small to tall, which means they work well in a group or as stand-alone functional items.
As well as wood grain, Daisy has also taken the patterns created in honeycomb to inform the shape and graphic additions of another collection, Bee Bowls and Cups, which can be used as either decorative or functional pieces. The white angular ceramics have been printed directly by hand in black finished with a clear glaze. Presenting a range of serving bowls and cups, Daisy was inspired by the recognisable, geometric shape. This angular collection compliments the more organic, fluid forms of Forest of Ceramics.
“The honeycomb serving bowls and teacups reference the fact that the honeybee’s pollination is necessary for approximately one third of everything we eat,”explains Daisy. “This intriguing geometric pattern is widely recognisable and aims to highlight the importance of bees to agriculture and the vital contribution they make to the food on our table.”
Day Design Co was set up by Daisy Kelly, a recent graduate from Brighton University, launching her range of ceramics at this year’s New Designer’s showcase in London. Already having success with her fledgling creative company, she offers a range of creative services including interior design for residential and commercial clients.
Day Design Co is one of Look Like Love’s ‘One-to-Watch’ designers, find out more about her work here.
