Elegant Nature-Inspired Vases That Glow From Within

Working with clay is one of those simple childhood pleasures that can be elevated to unfathomable heights. For example, here are the shining porcelain creations Jennifer McCurdy that test the limits of ceramics.

At first, these the clay is thrown (it's the technical term for working clay on the wheel) on the pottery wheel. The sculpture is then shaped and carved, pushing the ceramics almost to their point of collapse. The result reflects both the movement on the wheel and the flames, so important in art of pottery. The clay is fired at extreme heat and finished with 23 carat gold leaf that gives it an inner glow.

McCurdy is based on the island of Martha's Vineyard. She has been working with clay for nearly 30 years. McCurdy has a sharp eye for perfect structures in nature and carefully considers things like tensile and compressive strength both when working with clay and observing the world.

However, nature isn't her only inspiration: “If you look at my pieces carefully, you can see not only patters found in nature, but also the struts of the bridges I have encountered in my travels.”

More info: jennifermccurdy.com (h/t: boredpanda)