straatsma studio – Vase narrative

The narrative vases tell a story, about my worldview, the future, mythical stories, love, or a theme that has been developed together with a client. Although the form of these vases still refers to the canonical form, there is a sharp contrast through the texts and symbols used. I often make use of well-known images and symbols for bringing the story about, making this group of vases closely linked to pop art. Layer on layer, story on story, image on image, these vases continue to be appealing and surprising.

Turmoil ^ 135 cm, resin
This apocalyptic piece deals with world issues such as war, religion, politics, and the search for an escape from it. It is not the happiest work I made. But sadly, enough, it is nowadays reality. The everlasting clash of religions, ideologies, disagreements and the struggle for survival. The push for power and control. Mass manipulation, suppression, and media influence. What is real and what is not? The dream to escape and find eternal peace. God’s eye, Big Brother, is watching us all. ‘Turmoil’ tells a narrative and gives a contemporary view and documentation of our time.
Handmade, unique piece Available

Water ^ 60 cm, resin
Handmade, unique piece
Available

Fire ^ 72 cm, resin
Handmade, unique piece
Available

Chaos ^ 105 cm, resin
Handmade, unique piece
Available

Anonymous ^ 44 cm, resin
Handmade, unique piece
Available

Fascinated by news media, bold statements, words and promises. Sometimes clear in your face…sometimes anonymous.

This handmade Anonymous vase symbolizes the explosive WikiLeaks e-mail affair. On top, the fascinating Guy Fawkes mask dating back to The Gunpowder Plot of 1605. On March 16, 2016, WikiLeaks launched a searchable archive of over 30 thousand emails & email attachments sent to and from Hillary Clinton’s private email server while she was Secretary of State.

This bright-colored vase is one of the two vases I made during the presidential election’s race Clinton vs Trump in 2016, U.S.A. It’s open in its structure and revering to the classical ceramic vases from the Far East and ancient Europe. I started challenging their function, material, and history.

Trumpet ^ 60 cm, resin
Handmade, unique piece

Fascinated by news media, bold statements, words and promises. Sometimes clear in your face. Sometimes anonymous.

This trumpet vase is one of the two vases I made during the presidential election’s race Clinton vs Trump in 2016, U.S.A. This Trump vase is based on words if found in the transcript from the nomination acceptance speech at The Republican National Committee (RNC) on July 21, 2016. The other vase is based on Clinton dealing with the WikiLeaks affair.