meaning more

ok, i admit it. one look at this cup and my inner-activist popped out. it was too easy. maureen and michael banner's hand wrought sterling silver holloware is contemporary and sleek. their sculptural yet functional teapots have long, sinewy handles with graceful curving lines. their work is stunning.

they also made this kiddish cup. while every bit as attractive as the others, it bears a title that could have more meaning than they anticipated, given the current state of affairs in washington. the name of this work? 'burning bush'. remind you of another expensive 'piece of work'? stunning too, for sure, but he stuns in a boggle-the-mind way. burning bush. enough said.

cheers!

"My work to date is all hand made. It is important that this is seen, so the raising marks, uneven rims and unfiled solder seams are left. The majority of my work is about portraying different feelings and emotions by combining various materials and manipulating their many qualities to express the intentions." E J Mahony

ej mahony uses materials that are contradictory. silver, an enduring metal and steel which is decidedly not precious as it rusts and literally eats itself away. contradictory? maybe, but it works. he creates the form and leaves the function up to you. these are roughly hewn, bold, strong and take me back to medieval times. for those with a more delicate taste, the tea sets also make a beautiful statement.

bubble bath

"My work is a series of experiments done in pursuit of knowledge Each piece constitutes a small experiment which tests my ideas. The ideas can be visual, emotional or political. The true goal of my work is to increase my understanding of myself and the world around me." Walter Lieberman

glass artists walter lieberman and james mongrain combined their considerable talents to design sleek floating stemware as tempting as the liquid they contain. originally created to be used in the bath, their romantic champagne flutes give new meaning to the term bubble bath. a stunning example of collaboration at its best. inviting. hmmm...might even invite collaboration of a different sort.

carnival glass

"The meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away." Emilio Santini

murano, italy is steeped in a centuries-long tradition of glass blowing, and today it continues to turn out the finest glass artists in the world. emilio santini comes from a long line of master glass blowers, including his father mario santini. he began learning this ancient art at the age of eleven, studying under legendary modern glass blowers and eventually making a name for himself with his flamework sculpted-stem goblets. today, his name is synonymous with the famous island where he was born. santini moved stateside several years ago and now teaches his techniques all over the united states. you can see some of his delicate goblets and a glimpse of the master at work here.

the masked mardi gras-esque figures above look poised and ready for some serious carnivale fun. indeed, the work of a master. bravissimo emilio!