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...








No thanks.
view medusa12120's profile
Cute, but 'spensive.
view clampers's profile
That would be a good way to lose weight.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
also available in sf:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/glassware-ceramic/laura-zindel-ceramics-057881
view sflily's profile
After finding two dead roaches on the kitchen floor this morning, I think I'll pass.
view CallDoctorBison's profile
Lisa's right!
I say hell to the naw.
view carlitadee's profile
definitely scare away dinner guests...forever.
view RosaLily's profile
What's with product designers nowadays turning out stuff that's intentionally ugly or discomforting?
view bepsf's profile
Creepy! And certainly unappetizing.
view frenchfry's profile
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.
view FantasticMrFaux's profile
I want those so bad, but I could probably only afford the handle on the mug and nothing more :(
view suidae's profile
Maybe not
view boxerchick's profile
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!
view Rev. Bee T.'s profile
barf.
just reading this made my neck feel all tickly-crawly (stray hair) and i am suddenly a little jumpy.
view nickety's profile
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.
view apbs's profile
Beautiful artwork. I would love the spider coffe mug if my girlfriend wasn't afraid of spiders.
view lbc's profile
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.
view nowonmai's profile
I get creeped out seeing bugs outside...where they belong!
view MilenaB.'s profile
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.
view laura c's profile
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
view rosenatti's profile
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
view Cheryl K's profile
Well.......no. Living in FLorida, this is just too close to a real possibility.
view baileyb's profile
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.
view muirwoods08's profile
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!
view annika@happylosangeles.com's profile