STUDIO KARTINI

Italy

ADDING AN EXTRA OOMPH WITH MICROBIOLOGY-INSPIRED ARTWORK

Kartini Thomas, an American artist, and ceramicist based on the French island of Oléron, founded Studio Kartini with more than two dozen creative individuals in Toulouse. Her art is inspired by monsters, modular toys, and microbiology and she enjoys pushing the boundaries of passion and disgust, cartoons and coral reefs, fine craftsmanship, and that perfect form that results from not paying attention to what one's hands are doing.

Thomas' sculptures are modular and incorporate delectable layers of texture and color. Thomas describes Studio Kartini as "art for optimists" and created techniques for implementing engobes and glazes, which produce depth and rich color. These works of art are intriguing and can add a little oomph to any space if placed accurately.