My little ‘colony’ of cups are inspired by the cnidarian phylum, a diverse group of aquatic invertebrates including jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras.
Cnidarians are known for their vivid, often translucent colours, flowing tentacles, and soft, jelly-like bodies, though some also feature sharp stinging cells and rough, coral-like textures. These animals share key traits, including radial symmetry, which is why I chose to use throwing as my main method of making.
I abstracted different characteristics from each cnidarian class into every cup, using their unique forms, colours, textures and otherworldly qualities as a source of endless inspiration.
Although they take the form of cups, these pieces aren’t intended for everyday use. They’re not functional in the traditional sense. Instead, they are sculptural and ornamental objects that reference the cup shape but exist mostly for visual and conceptual exploration. I chose the cup as a starting point because it’s a familiar, relatable form, and I wanted to shift it from something practical into something more abstract and expressive, blurring the line between both function and sculpture.
