Michelle Dziak Ceramics

fine art ceramics

On every level, Michelle Dziak’s work with clay honors its origins. An intimate relationship to the Earth is present in her hand building process, her forms and textures, and her preferred finishing technique: wood firing. As an active, joyous participant in the wood firing community, Dziak celebrates ceramics as it relates to people. She views her art as an homage to human history and as a mode of connecting with ourselves through the Earth.

Each piece represents a conversation between artist and medium. “It’s kind of an adventure, kind of a puzzle, kind of a dialogue,” Dziak says, when talking about what draws her to ceramics. She may approach a piece with her own idea to communicate, but the clay often takes her in it’s own direction. “I do not necessarily feel responsible for what ends up happening,” she says serenely. “I’ll push those edges quite far.”

Michelle Dziak

Why Handcrafted Art Decor Matters

Firefly Kiln Farm

At Donjenna, we cross the globe to create partnerships with previously undiscovered artisans. Our pride comes from offering exquisitely made home decor with uniquely modern and contemporary sensibilities.

Perhaps you’re wondering why we take bespoke, hand crafted art decor so seriously. The reasons might surprise you.

fortunata-ceramics

The Case Against Mass Production

Furniture and other decor items made in a factory assembly line often contain defects, or are made with cheaper materials to cut costs. The effect is a product of poor quality that will not stand the test of time.

Some things don’t turn out exactly right when the process is automated. A dovetail joint, for example, is a very old design in woodworking known to be unparalleled in strength. It is most often cut by hand. Artisans use an intuitive sense in making an object, which can’t be replicated by a machine.

Here’s something most people may not know: Even in large scale factory operations, like making candy bars, some key parts of the process are still completed by hand. For some tasks, there’s simply no substitute for a skilled worker and the correct tools.

Get To The Source

All home furnishings were originally made by hand. Participating in the movement towards handcrafted art decor– whether as a craftsman, consumer, merchant, or designer– keeps that tradition alive. In doing so, we honor the ways artisans have made their living in the past and for the future. The traditions and techniques in ceramics, woodworking, sculpture, and other artistic endeavors would otherwise be lost if this process did not continue.

Eidos Glass Lorin Silverman

When we don’t fully know and appreciate the source of items in our home, we feel less connected to the objects we surround ourselves with. Concerning ourselves with how materials and labor are sourced is vitally important. Handcrafted furniture and art decor is produced with better labor standards: craftsmen are paid as skilled laborers, are recognized for their work, maintain a connection to their trade. Machine production, on the other hand, often exploits workers by forcing them to work in poor conditions and keep them in poverty.

The ReCycler and Gilbert
The ReCycler and Gilbert

The Importance of Choice

The beauty of handcrafted art decor is that no two pieces are alike. Furniture can be made to exact specifications. With custom made furniture, design can become a collaborative process instead of excessively controlled.

Decor offerings in big box stores, typically made on a factory floor, are based on decisions pre-made on behalf of the consumer. Furniture and decor items featured there are based on current trends, sales, and the whims of the market instead of on what the consumer might actually want or need. Artisan made decor allows you to participate more fully in designing your space and choosing which objects have a home with you.

At Donjenna, we believe you always have a choice over your surroundings. With us, you can discover the craft, story and soul in each item of bespoke, handmade home décor.  You can feel empowered in the design choices you make for your space.

Our homes, offices, and the objects they contain may serve a solely utilitarian purpose, but why not choose to make them beautiful?

Michelle Dziak Ceramics

Piper Collection

Piper Collection

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Piper Pillow Collection is comprised of Cindy and Whitney Caudle, a mother-daughter design team studied in interiors and textile design. After noticing pillows as an often overlooked opportunity for decor, daughter Whitney sought to transform interiors with her eye-catching pillow designs.

Piper Collection brings a youthful spirit to contemporary design with bold graphic patterns, classic shapes, and beautiful detailing in daring color combinations. Pillows feature bespoke fabrics and textures, such as leather, faux fur, and their signature metallic linen.