We are accustomed to mugs being designed to provide functionality and convenience. But that is definitely not the case with ceramic mugs by Jessica Thompson-Lee, which place creativity above everything else.
Thompson-Lee creates colorful ceramic mugs with unusual handles. While the body of these mugs usually follows the traditional shape, its handles are on the abstract side. With their unusual and unpredictable shapes, they look like they are growing out of the mug on a whim.
While some shapes might seem impractical, they also open up an opportunity to experiment with different ways to hold a mug.
According to Thompson-Lee, the shapes of the handles found on her mugs are actually based on organic forms. They are inspired by artist’s observations of “microorganisms, fungi, coral, rock formations, the human body, and insects. “
Still, Thompson-Lee never knows how each piece will turn out before she starts making it. She adopted a playful and experimental approach, which she refers to as “drawing with clay,” which allows her creativity and moments of inspiration to take charge and ensure unique pieces.
“This unpredictability is both an important and enjoyable part of the process; each design is unique, “Thompson-Lee shared in her artist statement.
Continue scrolling to check out more of Thompson-Lee’s unusual mugs below.
