Cooky Porcelain Sculptures by Laurent Craste.

I think it’s fair to generalise by saying that when we think of porcelain, concepts like pain and violence are the last things on our minds, right? Well, there’s always someone who has a twist on the tradition, which turns us on pretty hard over here at the Yellowtrace HQ. Enter Laurent Craste, Montreal-based, French artist whose contemporary take on ceramics has us feeling all giddy with excitement. Laurent creates his own version of a common object like the vase, adding features such as nails, hooks, axes and other objects to create his uniquely-shaped sculptures.

“My research considers the object as a social indicator, a ‘sign bearer’. Considered as instruments of political power, ideological vehicles, demonstrations of ostentatious luxury and economic power, but also as incarnations of emotions and experiences, the historical archetypes of decorative arts consummately provide me with useful material,” explains the artist.

Seeing his material as a bearer of symbols and social customs, Craste recreates his classic porcelain models by altering their image, commenting on their purpose and re-imagining their form. In the hands of this talented artist, simple vases are elevated into a fun, often politically charged, and above all – a more interesting state of existence. We dig.

Related Post: Gettin’ Jiggy With Porcelain.

[Images courtesy of Laurent Craste.]