Modern sophistication with a playful take on functional design
With an artist’s eye and 10 year career as an interior designer, Laura Ernst created Whim Wares, a ceramics studio that offers a fresh new take on functional design. “I love to play with the form and texture of the piece,” says Ernst of her pottery, “and I often press flowers and other plants that I’ve grown into the clay.”
Based in Charles City, VA, Whim Wares is a thriving business, crafting bespoke commissions for bridal parties, baby showers and local business. From centerpiece vases to cake stands, even place settings, each piece can be customized to include a stencil of the couple’s wedding date, names, or whatever they wish permanently in the glaze. Whim Wares also applies this same dishwasher safe stencil technique to business logos on functional wares like mugs and wine glasses.
If you can envision it, Whim Wares can create it. And, if you can’t envision it, Ernst can. “My art is for those that find beauty in simple, well-designed pieces that express the natural beauty of the clay,” she says.
When not in the studio, Whim Wares can be found all around the 757 at local art markets that feature local makers. Places like Frothy Moon Brewhouse and First Sundays at Indian Fields Tavern both feature her signature line of magnets, mugs, trinket dishes and vases all made with that clean, sophisticated aesthetic that makes Whim Wares so recognizable. Whim Wares also sells directly through their on-line store.
When you are looking to elevate your space, Whim Wares pottery offers elegant sophisticated designs… with just a little whimsy thrown in.
Instagram: @whimwares
Facebook: /whimwares
Find Whim Wares at these upcoming shows:
- August 3rd, 11am-5pm, Wellsmith Apartment, 5000 Libbie Mill E Blvd, Richmond, VA 23230
- August 24th 5pm-9pm, Fothy Moon Brewhouse, 1826 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- September 8th 11am-5pm, Indian Fields Tavern, 9220 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA 23030