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Swimmer Plates by Alice Mara

swimmer plates by alice mara from cavaliero finn
swimmer plates by alice mara from cavaliero finn

Remember the London Olympics when we all tried to get tickets and mostly failed? Or ended up with seats at things we never really thought we fancied. But then remember how in the end it was all so exciting that we loved it anyway, even if we never thought that dressage, boxing or synchronised swimming was our thing?

These plates came about after ceramicist Alice Mara managed to snag herself tickets to the synchronised swimming. She was inspired by the way the swimmers use their bodies to create regimented patterns and shapes.

She wanted the viewer to see at first glance an ornate pattern and only then, on closer inspection, to see an elegant group of swimmers. So she persuaded a friend to pose for a photoshoot wearing a 50s hat she ordered from ebay. The result you see above.

boxer plates by alice mara
boxer plates by alice mara

Still on the Olympics, Alice then moved into the boxers. I can’t decide which I like more, but think perhaps two of each would look marvellous with a small slice of cake. You can choose how many rows of swimmers or boxers you would like and prices start at £24. The sugar bowl and jug are £20.

They’re available from Cavaliero Finn, otherwise known as Debra Finn and Juliana Cavaliero, who seek out affordable work by emerging and internationally recognised designers. I have featured the work of Fliff Carr already on the blog and you might recognise Alice’s earlier work; Hanging People.

hanging people plates by alice mara
hanging people plates by alice mara

Personally I find the hanging people a little distressing but am definitely considering buying some swimmers and boxers.

 

Tags : alice maraboxer plateceramicsswimmer plateyoung designer
Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.