Functional/NonFunctional Ceramics
Welcome to the Nico Day Design page!
Please feel welcome to browse these decorative artworks. New designs are added each year.
These works are all made by hand from stoneware slabs; limited edition or one of a kind. Depending on interest in commission, glaze colors can be changed and forms can be scaled up or down. I make work in three distinct categories: Curio Objects, Slab Vessels, and Sculptural Tile. Read a little more about each category below.
Curio Objects
Curio Objects are smallish abstract sculptures which call to mind modern era formalism. Simple and lighthearted in form, these sculptural objects can be placed on built-in shelves, book shelves or wall tables. Handmade from clay slabs, these pieces look great in visual conversation with other design objects.
Slab Vessels
These vessels are made from hand made cones and cylinders, stacked and attached. I first roll out slabs of clay, then cut out the 2d shapes using stencils, and then form the slabs into 3D shapes to build the final forms. The seams where the parts are attached are left visible and act as surface decoration. Small handles are decorative. Glazed vessels can be utilitarian (hold water for flower etc.), while unglazed vessels can be functional in a visual sense.
Sculptural Tiles
These sculptural wall tiles are a combination of 2 dimensional composition and 3 dimensional sculpture. Built from slabs with layers of added shapes and clay materials, an integrated hanging cleat is built into the structure. Each sculptural tile is meant to be hung on the wall as an independent work of art work or in a series.
Nicolas Darcourt 