Back to the Basics
Author:Lindsey ShookCameron Caldwell’s hand-built ceramics prove that simplicity is impactful
“It all began two years ago in Santa Barbara, when my dad, who had always noticed how creative I was as a kid, especially with building and creating things out of LEGO, suggested that I might be really good at ceramics,” says artist Cameron Caldwell on his foray into the medium.
Inspired by the mystery that surrounds the unknown, science fiction and artists including Peter Max and Michelangelo, each vessel is handcrafted and full of life. “The work of Rik van Iersel also left a lasting impression on me when I saw it in person; the depth, emotion and craftsmanship in his pieces sparked new ideas and expanded the way I think about my own creations,” Caldwell says. What makes the emerging artist’s work so unique is his process, which is void of technicality. “I connect with the clay through my hands,” he proclaims. “Instead of using the usual sculpting tools, I press and shape it with my fingers, letting the material respond naturally to my touch. This tactile approach gives my pieces a sense of individuality and organic life that’s hard to achieve any other way.”
Available at Ken Fulk’s San Francisco and L.A. boutiques as well as iconic Wine Country designer Erin Martin’s St. Helena gallery and more, Caldwell’s colorful creations have made a swift impression on the Bay Area design community. As he looks to the future, he notes, “I plan to expand my work by creating more sculptural heads of celebrities in uniquely styled vases, as well as candlestick holders and lamps. I’m also exploring a new series inspired by animals such as wolves, birds, and even squids, which I find especially fascinating.”
