"It starts with the clay."

Christopher Russell has been working with clay for over 30 years. In his latest vessels and wall pieces, dynamic in structure and decoration, he is inventing new forms and surfaces, pushing ceramic’s possibilities. Each unique piece stands alone as an artwork while complementing interior and architectural spaces.

From the Studio:
THE ZURICH COLLECTION

The pieces in my Zurich Collection are inspired by a recent visit, but more by a version of Zurich I had created in my head. Like the big Z at the front of its name, my Zurich was dark, edgy, propulsive. Dada, Surrealism, Modernism, Abstraction: these were the children of my city. 

The Zurich Collection vessels and lamps set large, architectural forms against jagged, hard-edged marks. I’m using a high contrast palette, black and white, with injections of pink and ochre. I improvise the patterns with hundreds of paper strips, stenciling one shape, then masking it off for the abutting ones.

I enjoy escaping to the Zurich in my head. It’s an inspiring place to explore.

NEWS

I am delighted to have joined TODD MERRILL STUDIO and to be in the company of so many talented artists and designers.

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"Chaotically colorful
ceramic vessels"

- SIGHT UNSEEN

Read recent press about my work in SIGHT UNSEEN, INTERIOR DESIGN, and CERAMICS NOW.