The phrase "no idea is a new idea" essentially means that every idea, even if it seems completely original, is likely a combination or variation of existing ideas, drawing from a vast pool of knowledge and experiences accumulated over time; often attributed to Mark Twain, who described this concept as "turning old ideas into new and curious combinations like pieces of colored glass in a kaleidoscope.".
These three artist use juxtaposition with ANCIENT pottery ideas and use POP CULTURE to re-invent them.
Julien Jaca
Using Pop Culture Icons with Ancient Greek Pottery Style
Julien is a former tattoo artist from France. His paintings are inspired by tattoo art & motorcycles.
Ancient Greek Inspiration
Grayson Perry
Uses personal pop culture references inspired by various ancien Pottery Designs.
Grayson Perry is a contemporary British artist best known for his ceramic vessels, printed tapestries, and design for A House for Essex. His work contains a prominent autobiographical narrative. The narrative chronicles a troubled childhood. “I draw as a collagist, juxtaposing images and styles of mark-making from many sources,” he said of his practice. “The world I draw is the interior landscape of my personal obsessions and of cultures I have absorbed and adapted, from Latvian folk art to Japanese screens.” Born on March 24, 1960 in Chelmsford, United Kingdom, Perry graduated from Portsmouth Polytechnic with a BA in fine arts in 1982. Enrolling in an evening pottery course, it took the artist only a year before he was creating his signature vases. In 2003, Perry was the first ceramicist to win the Turner Prize. The artist currently lives and works with his wife Philippa Perry in London, United Kingdom.
Pots above seem inspired by Greek Pottery
Pot above seems inspired by Zuni pottery (see below)
He uses ideas from ancient pottery and makes them personal and modern.
Don Moyer
References Pop Culture in Ancient Asian Pottery design style "Blue Willow"
Artist and founder of Calamityware, a company that creates uniquely modern designs inspired by traditional willow patterns. He started drawing his own versions of the plates, adding unexpected calamities like volcanoes, giant robots, and sea monsters.
Once upon a time, Don Moyer had a peculiar habit: drawing bizarre creatures doing everyday things and sharing them on Flickr. (Because nothing says “casual hobby” like sketching a squid driving a minivan.) After 30 years in the communication and design biz, Don ditched the corporate grind, took a power nap, and woke up with an idea: “What if classic porcelain plates featured mayhem?”
In 2013, the first Calamityware product was born—a Blue Willow plate adorned with a serene pagoda and… grouchy flying monkeys. Naturally, it was a hit on Kickstarter, because who wouldn’t want tableware that screams, “Dinner is served—watch out for monkey droppings”?
Today, Don’s peculiar creations—robots, monsters, and who-knows-what-next—keep marching into homes and hearts. This Small Business Saturday, celebrate the beautiful chaos of Calamityware, where every product has a story…and probably a monster.
