Family and friends can attest to my reaction to insects (you can read a detailed account of when I discovered black widows in my backyard here); which is to say that I suffer from a mild case of arachnophobia. So, as a joke, a friend of mine sent me a link to naturalist artist Laura Zindel's dinnerware, hoping that these detailed illustrations on plates would push me over the edge. I won't lie, I freaked out a wee bit when I opened the link; but after I got over the initial shock, I have to say that I sort of love how creepy this dinnerware is. Certainly, it's not for everyone and probably not an ideal option to use for more squeamish guests; but conceptually, it's pretty unique. Take a look at a few of pieces from Zindel's collection after the jump...
Check out the rest of Laura Zindel's intriguing dinnerware at Blackbird Ballad.
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Cute, but 'spensive.
That would be a good way to lose weight.
also available in sf:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/glassware-ceramic/laura-zindel-ceramics-057881
After finding two dead roaches on the kitchen floor this morning, I think I'll pass.
Lisa's right!
I say hell to the naw.
definitely scare away dinner guests...forever.
What's with product designers nowadays turning out stuff that's intentionally ugly or discomforting?
Creepy! And certainly unappetizing.
I think they're sort of Fornasetti (no, duh, ya think?) but would be more successful on canisters, pitchers, etc. A large covered jar with a spider on it could be amusing, but on a plate, it's off-putting and sort of trying too hard.
I want those so bad, but I could probably only afford the handle on the mug and nothing more :(
Maybe not
I wouldn't eat off them myself, (spppooooooooky!) but my bug-obsessed husband would think they are hilarious. I might get him something as a Christmas present!
barf.
just reading this made my neck feel all tickly-crawly (stray hair) and i am suddenly a little jumpy.
Interesting. Everyone is reiterating Kant's argument about aesthetics and disgust.
I am not passing judgement on anyone's comments or on the plates and mugs. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about them. I just think it's interesting that in art, it is very difficult to represent something disgusting without actually producing the feeling of disgust in the viewer.
Beautiful artwork. I would love the spider coffe mug if my girlfriend wasn't afraid of spiders.
Some friends and I saw her dinnerware at a shop in Park Slope about a year ago. I have to say, for the insect themed items, the vases and bottles are the way to go. The walking stick bottle is particularly beautiful.
She also has some non-insect themed pieces. Her full collection can be seen at http://www.zindelceramics.com, where she has started offering prints as well.
I get creeped out seeing bugs outside...where they belong!
I met her and saw her work at Craft Boston a few years ago, and have four of her water tumblers, which are tall, handle-less drinking cups.
Her work is absolutely beautiful, and include other themes besides insects, and I definitely prefer her serving platters, bottles, and vases to the dinnerware linked here.
I've also seen her work in small shops in Portland, ME and in Boston, and everything I've seen in person is very clearly handmade - wheel thrown or handbuilt. The images are transferred with lacquer from her original pencil drawings.
I certainly wouldn't characterize her as a product designer - she's an artist who's done the craft show circuit and has seen some success.
Laura Zindel is one of my faves, although I focus on work featuring snakes and six-legged critters. Must steer clear of the tarantulas. OMG WHY DO THEY NEED SO MANY LEGS OMG
I don't think I'd mind a mug and maybe a plate to hang on the wall...
Available in Baltimore (and online) at Mud and Metal: http://store.mudandmetal.com/zindel.html
Well.......no. Living in FLorida, this is just too close to a real possibility.
Sometimes when I'm out say, at Home Goods, and see something awful .... I amuse myself by thinking: Wouldn't that be an absolutely awful wedding gift? This fits into that category nicely.
I love Laura Zindel's stuff!Amazingly creative, intricate and STURDY! Great quality ceramics. We carry many of her beauties at Happy in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA. Check out what we have at www.happylosangeles.com!