Ben Fiess is Minnesota Nice

A Minnesota-based ceramacist, Ben Fiess, was highlighted this week in a design blog I read regularly, Cool Hunting. Entitled Utilitarian Ceramic, his wares are a vessel of simplistic beauty. Made of just four pieces, the vessel can be applied to countless applications. Bryony Quinn of Cool Hunting spoke of using it as a chic lunch box, but the simplicity of the design lends its use to any storage needs one may have. The 4 slip-cast porcelain pieces nest together and are then held together by an easily replaceable rubber band.

Ben Fiess recieved a Masters of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Illinois. It is clear he has an astute understanding a of the beauty in an harmonious relationship between colours, materials and forms. On his website, he says he enjoys bright Madras neckties, bycicling, cold weather, and life on his rural farm. He sounds like a native Minnesotan already!

Ben Fiess' website has a dizzying variety of colour combinations available. One can also purchase the wares at Ship & Shape, an online retail sight for selected artists, designers, and makers. The sight was created by Minnesota-based designers, but contributors from across the country make their latest lines available through Ship & Shape. The site is a wonderful place to find unique, high quality, beautiful hand-made goods.

Caroline Engel for Danish Teak Classics