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Artist Transforms Everyday Tableware Into Ornate Filigree Sculptures

Wiebke Meurer 18th-century tableware redesigned

Artist Wiebke Meurer is fascinated by history—particularly European design—and honors her interest by completely transforming it into something new and spectacular. The German creative's work references 18th-century tableware like bowls, saucers, tea cups, and silverware, but she strips them of their utility. To do this, she cuts into the gold and silver objects to produce elaborate filigree designs. For things like a spoon, this intricate slicing extends from its handle to its base. It effectively converts the once-functional utensil into a delicate, decorative work of art.

Once Meurer has altered the state of these objects, they are no longer usable. Liquids and food would slip right through the organic-looking designs. “I’m not concerned about the restoration of the broken object,” Meurer explains. “I want to deconstruct it, to reach the heart of its integrity and reinvent it, both formally and functionally.” They’re “freed from their historical context” to live a new life as sculptures that please the eye.

Weibke Meurer transforms everyday tableware into decorative works of art.

Wiebke Meurer 18th-century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th-century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th-century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer 18th century tableware redesigned

Wiebke Meurer: Website | Tasted Contemporary Craft
h/t: [Colossal]

All images via Tasted Contemporary Craft.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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