“I am what I do with my hands.”—Louise Bourgeois
Why Choose Natalie Theis?
I believe the art a person collects is—at least on some level—an expression of those facets of himself that his words can't ever seem to articulate. We decorate our lives the way we do not just because we like the color or pattern; but because somewhere deep inside, that color or pattern evokes something which causes us to feel somehow more whole. Moreover, the things with which we decorate our lives—our music, wardrobe, furniture, even the car we drive and the color of our walls—all say something of not just who we are, but who we want to be.
Now take this thought to the next level, beyond a painting which might hang on your wall, or a sculpture which might grace the mantle in your den, or a book of poetry which might occupy space on a shelf in your study. What if you could collect art which successfully blurred the boundary between traditional form and day-to-day function? My "funk-tional" ceramic artwork does exactly that.
funk-tional ceramics: art for life
I use food-safe glazes in all my ceramic works, making them suitable for integration into your day-to-day life. With each piece I create, I strive to push past the traditional definition of art for art's sake, meant to be appreciated from a safe distance. I want my art to be something with which you can interact on a practical level; and that by doing so, it might impart a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment to your life. Each piece is meant to be an expression of something which is maybe a little off the beaten path, making what’s normally ordinary become something extraordinary. The idea that a work of art can be something expressive, evocative, and beautiful while still being useful in your day-to-day life is a concept I call “funk-tionality.”
Beyond collection, my funk-tional ceramics are a wonderfully unique way to express your feelings for someone else. What do you buy for that person who has everything, or the other one who is just difficult to shop for? How about that special someone in your life for whom you can never seem to get the "right" gift that captures those special feelings? Commissioning a Natalie Theis original can be the perfect solution to all of the above. It has the intangible value of being something that is absolutely unique, and yet also offers the practical benefit of being something they can use.
let's talk about it
Regardless of the reason, if you would like a Natalie Theis original to own or give as a gift, I would love the opportunity to speak with you in more detail. I take each piece very personally, and it's my desire that you end up with something wonderfully unique and extraordinary. Please visit my contact page and drop me a line!