Jessica Thompson-Lee’s ceramic mugs are anything but ordinary. These functional works of art feature smooth, porcelain bodies contrasted with dazzling, biomorphic handles. Thompson-Lee’s creations are inspired by the organic shapes found in nature, particularly cellular structures, coral reefs, and mycelium networks. The result is a captivating collection of mugs that are as pleasing to hold as they are to look at.
Thompson-Lee’s artistic process begins with throwing the mug body on a potter’s wheel. She then moves on to hand-building the unique handle, often sketching with clay to develop unexpected and organic forms. Once the handle is complete, she meticulously carves a design onto its surface. The final step involves applying layers of glazes and underglazes, bringing the vibrant colors and patterns to life.